Tanuja Sande

I am a Muslim, as such, there is no formal protocol for celebration of the festival at our home. However, my Diwali preparations would begin even before the school holidays started.

Diwali Memories

Even though Diwali faral (assorted festive snacks) was not prepared in our house, the people in our neighbourhood made it a point to bring us large three-kilo dabbas (boxes) brimming with faral.

Even before the holidays kicked in, all of us, little girls, would form groups, visit our neighbours' houses, and help them prepare faral.

The busiest day for us was always Lakshmi Pujan. From 7 AM, my siblings, all the kids from the neighbourhood, and I would drag our older siblings outside to burst firecrackers.

We lived in the police lines in an interfaith community. Our fathers used to be on duty. Some had a day shift, others a night shift.

Tanuja making a Rangoli at her home on Diwali.

Because of this, I hardly have any memories of celebrating Diwali with my father. Our neighbours never made me miss my father on this festive day; they were our true family.

In the afternoon, the aunties from the neighbourhood would come carrying plates full of faral. We were able to eat faral solely because of the aunties in our neighbourhood.

I especially liked being given the responsibility of making a rangoli in front of their houses by neighbourhood aunties, who didn't have a daughter.

Tanuja celebrating Diwali with her husband and their child

We would start preparing to draw beautiful rangolis outside the doors right from 4 PM. The aunties would then place diyas (earthen lamps) in front of our rangolis, adding to their charm.

If someone were to ask me today to share a memory of Diwali, this unforgettable childhood experience comes to mind.

There are so many things in those memories that make me wonder even today, "Where did those days go?"

Honestly, sharing my experiences with you brings so much joy to me. I am looking forward to celebrations in 2026.