All our traditional festivals take me right back to childhood. Let me tell you why!
My parents would get excited to prep for any upcoming festival as soon as they realized it was too late already.
Mom planned for all the lip-smacking food.
Dad planned the end-to-end budget.
We kids planned on how to waste every second of the holiday we thought we deserved!
The previous day of any festival went on like a TV soap.
As kids, we did what we best knew. Fight about who does not want to do which task! There was at least one of us insulting the other and backing off as if it was a favor.
If you can imagine, this is how our home would look the previous night. Things were where they shouldn’t be and that’s everywhere. Our parents tried their best to settle things down and set everything up.
Come festival morning, it was about rising and shining.
Home would be filled with the aroma of sweets tampered with ghee and nuts.
Hot water waiting for us to wash up squeaky clean and wear the new crisp clothes.
The sweet smell of jasmine and roses layered on every idol of god and every idea of god!
Mom made the kitchen seem like a warzone with the loudest noises.
Dad argued that he is always right about everything. (sometimes he is!)
All this, while we are pretending to be asleep and not bothered.
Dad stormed into our rooms shouting and reminding that we are not obedient enough. There used to be some ugly words from him and some tantrums from us. Nevertheless, we would wake up to get ready but not without fighting as to who will clean up first.
This drama was followed by a lengthy pooja.
While we kids couldn’t be focused for a few minutes, our parents wished that we would be better henceforth.
While parents were fond of the pooja, we were only worried when our tummies would be filled.
Since my parents took too long in convincing God to make us better, we always ended up having brunch.
This delicious brunch, a nap later, and the disconnection from routine are what made it all worth the drama and chaos!
#MyPointOfView
Festivals are special. Let’s us take some time off from the normal and eat like you were starving! It’s a day to recharge and take a nap as if you have never had one. Coming together as a family and pampering yourselves is what makes it memorable.
