Happiness comes in different hues; each appealing to the individual according to his taste and culture. The season has arrived when rains have retreated to the blue clouds, the breeze has begun to blow again and the sun was never so bright. Diwali or the festival of lights is the occasion for spreading happiness. In other words it means living a life which is quite in contrast to our daily mechanical routine.
There are many aspects to this gladness which appeal to my heart the most. Much like the assuming estranged friend who suddenly comes up from behind and pats like a true companion while inquiring about my professional life. Perhaps like the charming young lady on the station who drapes herself in exquisite apparels everyday and always manages to catch my attention, walking with her friends. Or it can be the foreigner in the office today, who was informed by some of his Indian bedfellows to celebrate Diwali by bursting water balloons instead of crackers, until he was counseled by us. The poor man’s perplexed look on the face notwithstanding, I had a good laugh. Nevertheless, as an annual custom, I share sweets and homemade stuff with my colleagues which brings immense cheeriness to my heart and every body’s invited to this gala fete.
While the city of dreams is cloaked in smoke, dust and cacophony, I will be cooling my heels in the quite and wintry environs of the outhouse; my Diwali getaway in the faraway corner of Nasik city. This is a true opportunity to break my ties with the outside world and sync with mother nature in the true sense of the word, living a life of a slow and steady sometimes like a lazy tortoise. A welcome break from the scorching speeds of this fast city. So till the time we meet again, I wish my friends and fans, a very Happy Diwali and a Prosperous New Year. Spread the light of joy and shun the darkness of hatred this year.
