Milind & his family are first generation immigrants to the US. He shares his memories of India and some vignettes of life in the US.
“Illuminating the balcony in our Mumbai apartment with lights and the symbolic lantern – usually a star shaped kindled the sense of the beginning of the festivity. The streets in Mumbai illuminated with bright signs of sale could not be missed. The festival was in the air.
The first day of Diwali was always a unique experience. A warm shower given by mother in scented water and sandalwood soap was a privilege being the youngest in the house. That one unique moment was as though being a small child showered by the motherly love; something that I have been missing for the past twenty Diwalis.
The homemade sweets and savories shared with friends and neighbours, new clothes, fireworks and visits to maternal uncle and paternal aunts were truly memorable.
Our First Diwali in the US (Diwali 2000)
My wife, Priti, was expecting our son, Mihir. Her cravings for sweets grew as the festival neared. One fine day I returned from work to find Priti presenting a plethora of Diwali sweets. I was quite surprised and amazed.
Diwali in California’s Bay Area was nothing like in India; however we were fortunate to have about a dozen of Priti’s cousins and their friends who lived in town. One of teh Diwali days, we had a fantastic Chaat party at our home.
Years gone by
It has been a tradition every Diwali to illuminate the house exteriors. We keep those lights on all the way to Christmas and New Year. Although the tradition of visits to the Temple, meeting friends, exchanging sweets and savories with neighbours is still maintained, yet the festive experience is not the same as in India.
As Mihir grows up just as any other American youth, he would never fully understand the Diwali experience that our generation of immigrants brought with us.
This year
With the pandemic rampant, visiting or inviting friends over…the essence of Diwali…was missed. We had to make do with wishing folks over video chats or messages. A rather silent Diwali…no glitter and glamour.
Let me sign off by sharing a virtual treat with all my friends back in India…Homemade Chakli prepared by Priti.”