So, the festival has gone as suddenly as it had arrived. Your colorful diyas now protectively hold tiny pools of melted wax and ash. Your rangolis are still radiant, albeit slightly disheveled.
As you walk on the streets this morning, you catch sight of last night's celebrations all around, and you probably see or hear yourself and your loved ones laughing, in that very spot that someone cracked a joke yesterday. Friends and extended family have now gone back home, making promises to meet again soon.
The sweets and savories have now been stored away, and will be served at tea-time, as mementos of Diwali. The clothes and jewellery that you chose with great care, that made their grand appearance yesterday, have been put away for the next big occasion.
As all the festivities slowly recede into the distance, I ask you for a promise... that in your heart, you will let the lights remain. That in spirit, and in being, your celebrations will continue... that you will attempt to meet your loved ones a little more often and that the laughter that came in abundance yesterday, will make an appearance everyday.
Here's wishing you all a happy festive spirit, all year round.
Lots of love and laughter,
Hardik
- Received this message at start of last year (Vikarm Samvat 2071) and scheduling this post for the next year, as I firmly believe in this message. To all my friends & family members... Happy Vikram Samvat 2072.