Making our own Diwali rituals
It's Indian New Year and time to rethink about what old things we carry and what new things we build.
Being born and brought up in India and then moved to the United States, I realise that how I see festivities is so different from how my children see them.
Every year around major festivities I question myself how do we celebrate these in a way that my kids resonate with them and carry it forward. Because those of us who grew up in India have distinct memories associated with each and every festival and they are innumerable. That is not the case with these first generation children of immigrants of mine. They don't know even an iota of what any of these festivals mean. Both Chirag and I aren't very religious so before we had kids we did not bother as much with celebrating them with so much vigour. But as we grew up, we realised that it's important for our kids to know where they come from and be proud of their culture and heritage.
So Every time we try to teach them new things and concepts from our culture. Every Diwali they look forward to sparklers and meeting lots of friends. Wearing Diwali clothes (That's what Ira calls all ethnic clothes).
This year they have been super excited about drawing thipkyanchi Rangoli all on their own and have been practising it for a few weeks. They were mighty proud of their designs. I always remember making elaborate ones in front of my house and especially my Ajjis house. We are fortunate enough to be surrounded by a diverse neighbourhood with various cultures and it all seeps through to all.
They see us cleaning like nobody's business around Diwali and decorating the house with lots of marigold flowers and lights. They see us calling important people to wish them well. And it makes me realise that they might not have the exact same experiences as we had growing up back home. But their experiences will be unique to them. Their generation. They will make their own kind of fond memories.
Hope you all have the Happiest of Diwali and New Year!
Priyanka Berry
[Indian in Cincinnati, Mom of two jedi daughters, Fuji Shooter/Click Pro Elite and Plant hoarder]
The girls are dressed in handwoven festive wear from Love the World Today's collection 'The Earth Loves in Flowers'
