After Diwali

After celebrations reach a crescendo on Diwali day, everything seems to have come to a standstill. Some offices and geographies have an extended vacation and the offices that resume working the next day, like mine, virtually enjoy a disguised holiday with practically nothing happening. Of course, Diwali yet not ends for certain section of community- postman, chowkidar (security guards), house maids, servants, drivers, other helping hands who all are agog for their Diwali bakshish! Indeed, this spirit of real gifting to people who selflessly serve us throughout the year, making our lives easy, safe and comfortable is one of the finest aspects of this lovely festival.

The final leg of this festival period is Bhai Duj ( the second day after Diwali) celebrated as Tikka or Bhai Phota also all over the country. It’s a beautiful festival when sisters pray for the well being and prosperity of their brothers and brothers in turn reaffirm their love and affection for their sisters! For those not having real sister or brother, there is always extended family comprising cousins! Getting together on Bhai Duj and celebrating the festival in full spirit over sweets, special food and guffaws are the highlights of this very intimate and emotional festival.

By dedicating this blog to all the sisters, I finally end this series of blogs around Diwali and it’s festivity. May between this and next Diwali, all our problems, pains and miseries vanish into thin air so that we celebrate next Diwali again with same enthusiasm and zeal like we always do.