Its Diwali time again. A normal and irritatingly busy lane somehow looks beautified by the akash kandils/paper lanterns that adorn so many minuscule stalls throughout the lane. The always crowded lane somehow looks that with a purpose. Antsy small and large flickering lights just seem to make the atmosphere a bit more wondrous. Every sweet and confectionary store looks superabundant with fresh and dry sweets, the namkeens and the take away and gift boxes. The simple mithai /indian sweet and dry fruit boxes and all the glitz and glam hampers of brands known and unknown. Diyas (lamps), the ubiquitous traditional brown ones and modern avatars that have been painted in brighter tones adorned with gold and silver and ones with mirrors, stones and lace. The “china” lanterns shimmy along with “Indian” akash kandils. And the stores dazzle with offers and discounts. From food items to electrical appliances, everything is just ready to be taken with discounts. The jewelry stores flourished with gold, silver and diamond, all set for the “dhan te ras”. Small shops and large are full to the brim with clothes ready to be worn, accessories ready to be matched. Something new and in trend always makes an appearance be it in something to decorate or something to adorn yourself with. The fireworks ready to dazzle and go with a bang all towering, small and large…just ready to go off.
For me it’s only at such times that I don’t get annoyed with the jams, the traffics, my face agape with wonder reveling the beauty and that makes a shoddy overcrowded lane a fantasy land…and that is the season of magic…the festival of magic…that is Diwali.
