The nip in the air says it all. When the aroma of coffee enchants you more than a cold coffee shake, it's time to convince your heart not to wear half tees anymore. The warmth of sun pleases you more than the irritation of sun-burn. All these nostalgic feelings can sum up Diwali for anyone who has spent his years in north India. I've spent almost my entire life growing up in the chilled winters of Amritsar, some pleasant ones of Patiala and few romantic yet busy seasons in Delhi too.
Like every year this time too, i was excited for Diwali. The story is not the same like the past. A test on Wednesday, followed by submission of two assignments on Friday, that's all this week has in store for me. Pretty busy week, yet I've to find time to enjoy or at-least see others enjoying the most-awaited festival. My nocturnal eyes can tell you the story of not getting enough sleep for last two days. Waking up late on Wednesday at around 8am to get ready for test, I was excited. The reason was not the test but Diwali. I was already looking forward to hear the sounds of crackers while talking at my home through skype. I finished the test by 12 noon and came back home. Although the bustling of crackers was almost over by the time i started talking at home; 01.00 pm in ET means 10.30pm in IST. Yet could hear or see some crackers dropping from the above sky leaving a trail of light. I saw all the pictures of evening, puja, lighting of candles and crackers. I relived my own past through those captured moments. For a moment, i couldn't even realize that I am not even closer to this pleasant reality. It was fun, at last it wasn't that bad to be in US as much as i was expecting it to be. Even the thought of sitting in lab whole day and making some food in dinner and eating it while reading some paper online, is pathetic.
The day was not over yet. After finishing talking at home, i thought of surfing for some religious prayers which i could play on YouTube. It all ended watching the movie "Silence of lambs". Knowing the fact that next two days would be really hectic catching up with the assignments, i just wanted to enjoy the day, which every Indian has enjoyed once in his/her life. I managed to watch some religious songs before it was time for dinner. Sitting on computer for past five hours had made me lazy, so i decided to make maggi for dinner. In India, we have so many delicious foods to eat and taste on Diwali, how could i be so mean to my stomach? Finally made matar-paneer along with chapati. I don't want to indulge into the difficulties of making it, so let's move ahead. The food was eaten, a feeling contentment took over my mind (and stomach too).
I almost enjoyed the day like a holiday only. The only wish not fulfilled yet was to see the live aarti or prayers offered to God. I had my test, while all the prayers were performed in India. And this wish was fulfilled when my uncle called me up in evening to wish Diwali. He was still getting ready for the Diwali party at his place, so i told him to put me live on webcam so that i could also see the puja. All such little wishes which means a lot to me were fulfilled by God. God never discriminate with the people far away from their lands :P
Now it's almost quarter to 2am here, i have some plans of calling my friends back home wishing them diwali before signing off only to realize that tomorrow won't be as lovely as it is today. Happy Diwali :)
