This article has been written by keeping Hindus in mind. However,
as the culture and festivals around the globe are similar others too may feel
connected to it.
Also this article is not a blog but rather my first attempt to
write a story so please excuse my mistakes.
Pia was looking through her Mom’s mobile when the phone beeped
“Mumma maasi ka message hai. Happy Diwali walli photo bheji hai (Mom aunt has
sent a message. She has sent a photo with Diwali greetings). She got excited
about the festival and started enquiring from her mom. Sunita had a tough and
long day in office and was busy cooking Vegetable Biryania for dinner. She wiped
the sweat off her forehead with her bare hand and started explaining “Pia
remember on Dussehra day I told you about Lord Rama and how he fought with
Ravana?” Pia nodded, “So this day, on Diwali, Lord Rama returns to his hometown
Ayodhya along with his wife Sita Ji and his brother Laxman Ji. All the people
in his hometown are very happy and they celebrate their victory by lighting up
their houses, exchanging sweets and gifts and burning crackers.” “Mumma will I
also get to burn crackers?” Sunita gave a side glance to her and then smiled
“Ok but only with your Dad and do as he
says otherwise you may get hurt” The 7 years old girl was all happy and cheered
up. After sometime when the door bell rang she rushed to open the door “Daddy,
you know we both will burn crackers this Diwali.” Rohan was working in
corporate sector and used to come home late but always looked forward to see
Pia at end of the day. Pia continued “And Daddy will you bring mithai (indian
sweets) too?” Rohan smiled while sipping water. He asked Pia what else she has
planned for Diwali. Pia thought for a while and said “I don’t know” grinning and
showing her missing milk teeth.
Next day was exciting for Pia. Whenever she got free time she
chatted with her friends about Diwali. Her school was also organizing “Diwali
day” where they will decorate their classrooms and have some sports and
cultural activities. At home when she was having dinner with her family she
said “Daddy I know what else I will do for Diwali. My friends are making
Rangoli. Mumma and me will also make Rangoli. And we will put lights outside
our house. Daddy when will you put lights? Golu’s dad (neighbours) have already
put lights. Daddy which lights we will put? I want red, green and yellow and
they should also play music. Mumma which dress will I wear? Will you buy me a
new dress?” Rohan, Sunita and Pia’s daadi (grandmother) all could see her
excitement. They answered all her questions. Daadi also explained Pia another
significance of Diwali “Pia beta Diwali is also about welcoming Ganesha Ji and
Goddess Laxmi in our house. It is believed that this day Goddess Laxmi arrives
at our house. So we clean our house and make rangoli to welcome them. We will
also do prayers like last year. Do you remember?” Pia nodded doubtfully but she
had something else in mind “Daadi can we see Goddess Laxmi? Tarla Mam said we
cannot see God”. Daadi smiled “Ofcourse we cannot see God but it is believed
that they come. Same like air. You cannot see air but it is still all around
you” Pia smiled a bit relaxed.
Diwali day came. Pia was wearing a nice pink lace frock with small
blue color flowers on it. Her hair were neatly tied in a pony. She was looking
at other houses and their decoration from her balcony. Sunita and daadi were
dressed up in beautiful sarees. Rohan came to the hall and started talking to
Sunita “I think we should not burn crackers. We were discussing yesterday in
office about air and noise pollution and it seems correct not to burn
crackers.” Sunita argued “but Pia is so excited. How will you explain her? And
moreover it is our tradition. It is not something which we do everyday”
“I will explain Pia. She got lights, rangoli, new dress. Plus we
should also teach our kids to be responsible to our environment”
He called Pia from the balcony and tried to explain her. Pia understood
but got upset “Dad we will never burn
crackers? I told all my friends.”. She was almost in tears but Sunita sent her
down to play with friends.
Sunita tried to put her point “Rohan I agree but I don’t think it
is right to leave our traditions. These huge industrial wastes also cause
pollution. Nobody stops them. You want to stop a small child. How much
pollution can she cause in 1 night.” They argued for quite some time. Daadi was
listening to all these things and seeing that they both are not reaching any
conclusion interfered “Rohan and Sunita you both are correct. There is no harm
in thinking about environment and your own child’s happiness. But you should
always see what you are compromising to save other. It will be no harm if Pia
burns few crackers, but few and eco-friendly crackers as many people suffer
from breathing problems. We should teach our children that everything has a
limit. But yes we are dirtying environment by even those few. So to compensate
that guilt lets resolve to save the environment. Tomorrow morning plant a tree
in the park outside. Minimize plastic use, do car pooling with your friends and
save oil.” Sunita happily added “And lets avoid unnecessary paper usage. Let’s
use hand blower instead of paper napkins. This way we will set a nice example
for Pia also.” Rohan was not completely satisfied but looked it as an
opportunity to save nature in turn.
Pia was delighted to hear that she will burn crackers finally. In
evening whole family gathered for Diwali pooja. They clicked lots of pictures
of Rangoli, Pia and Rangoli with Pia. She burst just few crackers as she was
really scared by the noise. Mostly enjoyed watching fireworks in the sky. Next
day they happily planted a tree which turned out to be another adventure for
Pia. This was the best Diwali ever!
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