Lights, Cleaning, Diwali!
“What are you doing for Diwali?†Ask that question of most members of my family and the first response will be “cleaning!†That’s right. There’s one very important thing that my mom and grandmothers taught me that we must do on the Hindu festival of lights: Clean the house.
When I was a kid, for weeks preceding Diwali, I would watch as ladders were pulled out so that those faraway storage spots could be investigated and dusted clear of cobwebs, drawers were emptied and wiped clean of every speck of dust, closets were emptied and old clothes given away, and the windows of my father’s and uncles shops were polished like new.
It was only then that we could break out the new clothes, the diyas (earthen clay lamps) and the sugary treats. Then, of course, was my favorite part – the opportunity to switch on every single light in the house. I mean, every *single* light, from the tiniest desk lamp to the dining room chandelier! There was never any talk of the electricity bill on Diwali and this “lights on†attitude lasted for three whole days.
I’m sitting here today watching the sunset and about to switch on all the lights at home and it’s striking me how fitting it is that Diwali arrives at this time of year, just when our days are getting shorter and darkness is creeping upon us earlier each day. More than anything else, I suppose Diwali brings with it the metaphorical reminder that even if we are surrounded by darkness, we do still hold the power to …. switch on our individual | inner | personal lights!
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