Diwali this year is bittersweet for me and my family. My brother (the youngest of the kids) is away at college and will not be able to spend the festival with us. My sis is away to college as well but should be in town over the weekend. My husband is away for work.

Diwali this year is Oct 26th. For my friends who don’t know what Diwali is yet, google it or find it on Wikipedia. 🙂

I have fond memories of spending Diwali in India. I remember my mom spending hours designing our new outfits for the occasion. I also remember her cooking enough to feed a small nation. I remember my dad buying diyas (Lamps) the day before and crackers (patakhe) by the baskets !! I remember my cousins spending Diwali at our house year after year..

I remember us waking up real early on the day of and decorating the house with diyas and flowers. I remember eating and eating and then eating some more.

I have tried to keep up with the spirit of Diwali, the 12 years that I have been away from India. In college, I hosted many-a Diwali parties and cooked like crazy ! 🙂 All through dating my husband in college and till now after we’ve had a child, friends and family talk about our wonderful lavish Diwali parties.

We are blessed to have a life that we do. Granted, some days are way better than others. and well some days, I just question life’s existence. 🙂

A lot changes once you move countries 🙂 , have your own family and build a new life.

But one thing that does not change are the traditions you grew up with. The root that holds you firmly in the ground, that one thing that reminds you of your identity and values when you seem to either question it or when it gets lost in the shuffle.

Be blessed for what you have and work towards for things you lack. Always remember to experience new things, new food and new traditions and cultures. Who knows , you might incorporate them into your own life and be enriched by it. I know I have.

But on this day of lights , on the day when the new year starts, on the day when good really won over evil, I wish you and yours a very Happy Diwali.

And always remember; Food is a great leveler; Respect it, cherish it, share it.