Diwali Feels Different When You Grow Up

There was a time when Diwali meant waking up early to help clean the house, watching Maa bring out boxes of decorations, arguing with siblings over who got to put up the lights, and secretly sneaking sweets before the guests arrived. The excitement would begin days before the actual festival. Every little thing felt special, buying new clothes, choosing diyas, making rangolis and waiting for the evening when the whole neighbourhood would glow.

Now, Diwali comes and goes so quickly. We have more responsibilities, different places to be, and sometimes people we wish were still around to celebrate with us. The fireworks don't feel quite as exciting, and the sweets don't taste exactly like they did in childhood. Maybe nothing has changed about Diwali itself. Maybe we've just grown older.

But every year, when those little lights flicker in the evening, something inside me goes back to being that excited child again. I think that's the beautiful thing about festivals, they keep little pieces of our childhood alive, even when life takes us far away from it.

Somewhere between the lights, the laughter, and the smell of festive food, I still find that little feeling of home. 🪔❤️