
It’s Diwali, and with that comes so much light and love and happiness for me as a Hindu. I continually learn about elements of my faith with each passing holiday, so I always have a hard time explaining Diwali to other people, but the most beautiful thing for me about Hinduism is that I feel it deep in my soul. I understand it there first, and then in my head. That doesn’t always sit well with others, but its what makes Hinduism mine. It’s why I am Hindu and not Jain or Sikh or Muslim or Jewish or anything else. I am inherently Hindu, deep through my core, and it bursts out of me in the most glorious ways. I am a human representation of the physical aspect of Diwali.
I am drawn, like that cliche moth to its mother flame, toward the light and love that Diwali represents, both in the material and spiritual worlds. But as I celebrate, I miss my mother. I miss India. I miss my spirit’s home. Hinduism and India, in my heart, are one.
So many things have reminded me of Bangalore this past week, even before I began celebrating the festival of light. My roommate bought a new hand soap that I’d used while I was in Bangalore, and every time I wash my hands I feel like crying a little as the scent reminds me of my time there. I watched a few videos of people celebrating Diwali in New Delhi and Bombay and once again felt like crying as I saw the trees wrapped in the most fluorescent lights known to mankind. I miss seeing those everywhere at night, simultaneously blinding and entrancing me. When I was in Bangalore, those lights comforted me even as I felt like dying from E. coli or homesickness for America, and remembering that they exist makes me want to jump aboard the nearest plane and endure 20 hours of air travel just so I can see them again.
India is magic. I miss the old men, laughing louder than I’d ever heard anyone laugh before, burping after they ate a good meal, looking at me like I was just a silly child when I got confused about directions. I miss rickshaws, those sassy little vehicles that simultaneously inspired terror and joy as they careened throughout the narrow side-streets. I miss women touching my blonde hair and telling me I was so tall. Mangoes. Everyone laughing at me. With me.
But in the same breath that I call India magical, I must also call it devastating. The duality of India is not lost on me: rich and poor living directly next to each other. Beggar children with no shoes standing atop piles of trash. Cattle wandering aimlessly, without owners or protection. Wild dogs, all of them with at least one injured limb, begging for food. Rabid. Begging. India begs, often without pride or ego, with the most desperate voice. It’s not something anyone can easily forget or ignore.
But it’s like a lover you can never leave behind. India. She appears in my dreams, calling out, begging me to return. And oh god, I would oblige if I only could. I don’t think I’d ever wept before, but I weep now for my companion. India is a physical representation of my god, my religion, the spirituality I feel deep within. And I need her now more than ever.
Diwali is glorious, shining, happy. I will celebrate and pray and love, of course, because this holiday is perfect. But this year, it is also tinged with sadness as I experience a longing for the home I never truly grew up in, wishing teleportation would hurry up and invent itself, because I’m homesick.
India is a study in contrasts – economically, socially, politically, and religiously. Indians can be intimate without being friendly. The social system and family values are somewhat eroded but still intact, lending it a unique charm and attraction!
The impact of “individualism” has been creating these effects. But it’s unstoppable.
Not “individualism”…individualism. I’ve seen some nasty accounts on TCFL about parents controlling (or trying to) their live-in adult children, and no those people weren’t happy about it. But I think people should know that you can still have close ties to your family without having them control you…I have an Afghan friend from college who moved out because she didn’t want her mum telling her what to do but she still visits her because she loves her…and no she isn’t “westernised” at all, just liberal/independent.
I have faith that the impact of individualism will be pushed out of India.
Probably no. Every change comes with advantages and disadvantages.
Beautiful.
Your description of India is vivid and colorful, I feel I can visualize it and now you’ve left me curious to know more. Here in San Diego we have a very large and growing Indian population. Many of my Zumba classmates are from India but they are part of the wealthier class. Such poverty as you describe is beyond our imagination here. I’ve noticed that everyone seems to be celebrating Diwali now, including Mindy Kaling who’s posted a few photos on FB. Any plans to go back?
I think it’s becoming more widely known as a lot of Hindus-Americans use it to teach about their faith, which is great :)
I absolutely plan to go back, hopefully during Diwali, but who knows when I’ll get to :( Soon I sure hope
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http://progress4u.wordpress.com
Beautiful.
Reblogged this on HINDUISM AND SANATAN DHARMA.
Festival of light Diwali is celebrated of victory of truth on barbaric terrorism when god Rama returned back after killing and winning truth on man of Terrorism ravana . This story goes on all the time. Even now. Be a flag for truth and that is dharma . Truth. Religions of modern times are sect.
Diwali is a festival of wining of badness& Loard Ram return to Ayodha people celebrated festival.
Reblogged this on Soumitro Biswas.
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Nice cultural place..
Happiness is when u enjoy your festival in india
Reblogged this on ajaysharma60 and commented:
Smthng new …
Reblogged this on amiya123 and commented:
A colourful festival of lights
Reblogged this on bernardkene's Blog.
It is a very sweet post . I have been in India several time snd now I moved to malaysia. Diwali is a fixed appointment every year. Although I have not had the chance to celebrate it with Indian friends it still brings me the sweetness of a different Christmas with its decorations everywhere, with the anticipation and holiday climate. It comes here in the beginning of rainy season when the rain brings respite and cleans the air, a truly new world awakens. I miss India too
Diwali is always grand :)
Loved your articles…like all places India has many faces! Distance is a physical barrier which is immaterial to mind and thoughts. Home is where your heart is, you are already home!
Cool
Hey Cappy
Your post is truly amazing! Although I live in India and witness what you have described everyday, it makes me fall in love with her more :)
Its beautiful. Spread happiness on the festival of lights
Omg! Seriously. You didn’t mention anything about food? Or may be you did not get the chance to try the tantalising dishes!!
oh PLEASE the food was EVERYTHING. mmmmmmm :)
Wonderful
Can you please follow me back? I just started this blog and I could use some followers.
I have a friend traveling to India and I was telling him that with Diwali, this would be the best time to visit. After reading your post, I wish I was visiting India as well.
A beautiful post.
What a beautiful write up! It’s so amazing when someone writes such wonderful things about your country! :)
And sure, we have our issues, but India’s strength lies in its diversity.
It’s nice to see someone who is so proud of where they come from :)
I am an Indian (hindu) & it feels really good when someone (who is not Indian) appreciates its culture and likes it as well! Not only Diwali, if you witness any other festival, you’ll love it as well as every festival is equally colourful & fun!
reblogged
Reblogged this on sumanthkrishna.
I miss home :(
Can you go back soon?
No. I am so busy lately and I need to save inorder to go visit :/
No :(
Aw well I’m so sorry :( I know how bad that must feel.
Truly Indian and magical
Hope you get to india soon (:
Thank you! How nice of you to say :) I hope so too
Nice article. :-)
That was like reading a poem. Your writing is so beautiful, so fluid. The kind that does not allow you to breathe until you reach the last punctuation.
Thank you so much for saying that! My one true writing love is poetry, so I really appreciate that you experienced that in this post :)
India is like that too. You gasp and cant breathe the whole time youre there.
Xo thank you so much for reading!
Thanks for this piece! I think you got the duality right and I can feel that tension throughout. Love when message matches prose. Thanks!
I love everything Indian. It’s such a complex and amazing country. We have a long-standing tradition in our house – Saturday night is Curry Night and there is no more wonderful and tantalising smell than that of a freshly-made Jalfrezi …
Seeing India and Hinduism through your eyes make it more tantalising. I experience the duality you describe every moment, being an Indian but only some days does it penetrate the depths of my being for me to do something about it. Thank you for the wake-up call.
Amazing! I live in Bangalore and this post makes me appreciate what I have!
I thought this article was mostly well-written; On another note, the word “diwali” comes from the Sanskrit word “dipavali”, which is basically a combination of the two following words:
1. Dipa (which means “light” or “lamp”)
2. Vali (which means “series”, “line”, or “row”)
Excellent post… India gets into your blood…it certainly is a unique place…also my second home…
Love India!
A vivid, colourful read that has me thinking of my time and India and the times of solice, joy and inner peace. Thank you
Its so gud to see dat a holiday visit by a person from another country has described abt india in such beautiful worlds!! We would really b proud to hav u again n again in our country so dat u cn receive the same hospitality n respeft evrytym!!!
Loved it!
Nicely written:)
Being an Indian living in Hawaii for the past two years, I can totally relate to feeling homesick. ‘India is magic’ is so true. Beautifully written and totally describes the way I feel about my country :)
H.S. Bajwa @ Short Stories
This is an absolutely beautiful and sad post. I empathize with your feelings of homesickness!
I have never visited India myself but the way you describe it makes me very interested to go.
GO THERE! Its excellent. I recommend the north if you want to see some really beautiful holy sites etc.
♡♥
Reblogged this on Trending On.
I’m also homesick for Bangalore this Diwali, so this post struck a chord. Loved it. :)
Awww:) I think every Diwali I’ll just feel a little sad. In a nice way that means I just love India. Sorry youre feeling that way too, but at the same time it means you have a great connection with that place :)
Absolutely :)
It’s nice to know I connect with home so deeply.
Reblogged this on Assembled Creatively: Something For Everyone. and commented:
I was born in the United States, but of course, the best Diwali I ever had was in, you guessed it, India. I don’t make my ethnicity much of a mystery. but as much as I liked India, I felt kind of ashamed of being American. I would always see people begging on the streets, these thin, thin, children… it made me feel bad for enjoying all of the pleasures I do in the United States. Diwali has become so mundane for me, it’s not even funny. Literally, my diwali was spent taking a test, then going to swim practice, then homework. I feel like the holiday has lost so much of its luster. Whether or no you’re Indian or Hindu, I would read this if I were you.
What a beautiful and thoughtful comment. Thank you for reblogging this! And I hope you can find the spark of Diwali again :)
Reblogged this on World All Around and commented:
Diwali..
Reblogged this on abdusaeed.
Lovely description!
Sumtimes dose residing in India take it for granted. It’s when others explain about it they realise how lucky they are!
This beautiful,i’m an Indian who just overdosed on indian sweets for diwali
Wow what a brilliant piece. I’ve never felt as proud living in India. Now you have made me proud and pensive at the same time.
Im so glad I did that! Wow! Thank you :)
You write exceedingly well. I’ll start following you regularly now…
India. Just after reading this one word, billions of colours get displayed infront of my eyes. India is vivid, all too bright, with it’s own soul. It does not know formality or advanced technology. It’s laid backup and totally beautiful with so many cultures. But the thing is you will find beauty almost inseparable with the poor condition of the nation. There is potential. But it needs to be utilised. But I believe, there is no country like india out there. :)
Wow nice stuff visit me http://www.hsktec.com
Reblogged this on twospirit83's Blog and commented:
Suffering is the essence of life
Your style of writing is flawless. Definitely excited to read more of your work!
Thats so sweet! Thank you :) I’m so glad to have you here!
Hi friend, After reading your blog i felt the sense of diwali in my eyes, ears and touch. Such a lovely composition of words. May your journey in blogging as well as in life be as colorful as diwali. cheers…
Bangalore is home for me. And I’ve been living in Seattle for the last two years. Could you have possibly made me any more nostalgic?! I wanna hop on basically anything that’ll give me a ride to India right now.
Also, please tell me you ate that Masala Dosa in CTR? It’s one of the best restaurants we have and one shouldn’t leave without a visit to that restaurant.
Im not sure I ever went to CTR! I guess I’ll have to go back? :)
I’m glad you feel the same way — also, welcome to the pacific northwest :)
Hi! I am am indian too. Ive been following your blog and i was pretty excited! All of your posts are interesting, do follow and read mine too A :-)
Reblogged this on radhipriya :) and commented:
You’re really expressive ! Goodluck on your future! Really glad that these type of people are also here !! xx
Ah thank you so much! You’re too kind :)
Reblogged this on samikshachandak74 and commented:
Apprexiate to see the curiosity for the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS….ONE SHOULD NEVER FORGET ONES ROOTS….)))))
Reblogged this on ujbhurtah.
Fantastic. Thank you.
Beautifully written. I had written a similar one on Diwali myself. Do have a look: http://lakshmiambady.wordpress.com/2014/10/31/diwali-like-no-other-country/
My boyfriend is Indian, and although I’ve never been to India, I cant wait for the experience! You make it sound absolutely wonderful!! Thanks for this lovely insight into a beautiful country with beautiful people!
I too have an intense relationship with India and the Indian people. Thanks for a great writing.
Thank you! I appreciate the kind words and I am glad to hear I’m not the only one haha
Very clear picture you drew in my mind. I hope you get to go back
So sweet of you to say :) Thank you!