When I was a child Diwali time was one of the most exciting time it meant new clothes,holidays, lots of sweets,and other food items (in that order only).I was not very fond of crackers in fact I was scared to burst crackers.
Our festival used to start with holidays, today's generation may not believe but we used to get nearly one month holiday from shashthi (if I remember correctly ) till after bhai duj. In those days our sleepy little township bursted with activities.9 days of navratri were the best,every evening something was there- Hindi,Oriya ,Bengali plays,classical dance show,kavi sammelan,dhooni nritya competition,one night one orchestra group used to perform,dandiya,then of course raaavan dahan on dusshera.
We girls used to wait for ashtmi and nawami when we were called by aunties to their homes we used to be excited about the food and the money and of course the importance we used to get on those 2 days.
After dusshera for us it was time for crackers,and play, for elders it was time to start cleaning home,making sweets,buying clothes etc.
The Diwali at that time was celebrated for full five days starting from dhanteras .There used to be a party by ladies club followed by a party one day after Diwali.
The sight of diyas on the boundary wall,was much better than today's electric lighting.It was compulsory for us to go to our neighbour's house to wish them and get their blessings.Even after 10-15 days after Diwali people used to come to our home for "Diwali Milan" and we used to go to their homes.
I wish I could turn back time and go back to those time when festivals meant festivities,feasts,excitement,forgiving others and making new beginnings.
