Unique Diwali -Exploring Mythology, Sharing & Shopping
In the midst of lights, autumn –winter weather, Diwali get-togethers & parties, events, contests and the general revelries one can think of unique ideas to celebrate the pre Diwali days and then continue with the customary embellishments, clothes, gifts and food. This Diwali make time to organise an exclusive Diwali dinner to explore the mythology and stories of Ramayana and others sects, followed by the usual festivities-adding decorative touches with flowers, Diyas, lights and a creative assortment of decorative items in all shapes and sizes lying around in the house to create a festive look! The invite could share a message of traditional dress-code too.
Family & Friends Diwali Party with a Theme
Gather family and friends of all age groups for one’s entertaining special Diwali party with a theme. Commence by early evening, reliving the fascinating enthralling legends attached to Diwali since ancient times in addition to the Deepavali significance in different religions and nations! One can use audio or visual presentations- power point presentation, illustrations, books or videos for an enjoyable performance. Invite queries and discussions at the end of one story and ask others to relate or supply some angle left out!
If you have chosen Ramayana, then it is a story of family bonding amongst Ram, his father Dasratha,his queen-mothers- Kaushalya, Sumitra & Kaikayi, his brothers Lakshmana, Bharat & Shatrugana.Discussions at the end are not just to familiarise younger generation with Ramayana related names but also is a brush up of memories for adults. Additionally, dialogs related to Sikhism & Diwali, Jainism & Diwali are not to be missed! Story telling at Diwali will create valued reminiscences for the guests!
Discussing the Two R’s- Ramayana & Relationships
Further, before the main party starts allocate time for a brief dialog on Ramayana & Relationships. In this era of the world besieged with relationships trauma and values bypassed; Ramayana can be viewed and read with a new light. This Deepavali watch or read to discover insights on love and family life highlighting the importance of truth, decorum and ethics in everyday life.
Look out for scenes & paragraphs that highlight sacrifice, loyalty, family bonding, respect amongst Rama’s parents, brothers, wife and others, the unrestricted love that is so important for the relationship to sustain.
Rising above individual self-interests in several occasions, handling challenging situations- Ram’s calmness and composure at the exile verdict by mother Kaikayi, the endurance of princes & princess living with bare necessities in the forest, spending the 14 year old exile fruitfully by assisting and protecting sages and Rishis in the forests, persistence in looking for Seeta, perseverance in building the ‘ impossible bridge’ to Lanka, fortitude, grit and determination in the ensuing battle fought between Ram’s humble Sena and Ravana’s trained army.
Till today the comparisons of Lakshman’s & Hanuman’s loyalty to Lord Ram are cited, alongwith friendship and sustenance amongst them!
As in real life the advice and counsel of loved ones is to be seriously considered compared to Ravana ignoring advice of his wise brother Vibhishana and wife Mandodari, repeatedly.
Also, momentously important is the pledge and binder between Ram and Seeta- an exemplar of a perfect marriage!
A Different Deepavali Ideas
Another Diwali celebration innovative idea can be to organise a photographic exhibition of photos & videos collected over the years from past Durga pooja, Dussehra and Diwali! Initiate your photograph collection well in advance. This can be organised by one’s local community or on a digital platform!
An additional unique idea is to create a ‘Special photograph spot’ in Diwali theme in your home or office and coax all guests or staff to click photos there in traditional attire, hairstyle and make up!!
Contribution by institutions & others
Preserving the culture of our nation it is vital to pursue its ethnicities with an engrossing twist. Most educational and non-educational contribute to this by choosing diverse Diwali subjects : organise engaging theatre, poetry, essay writing, quizzes, drawing competitions, songs & bhajans besides craft-making- Ramayana figures & building Ravana effigy; alongwith its vast significance amid Sikhs & Jains.
Meaningful gifts
Meaningful Diwali gift whether ornate or useful, holds its own significance. One may indulge as per one’s budget and the ‘receivers’ requirement too should be kept in mind. It could be a traditional painting or decorative object as well as modern kitchen appliance. Then there is the high end category of Diwali gifts like jewellery, mobile phones, electronics, branded products and much more! Budget one’s shopping well in advance, prepare Diwali lists of personal shopping, gift buying and no hoarding please; overcoming temptations of colourful advertisements, sales & discounts!!
Sharing Moments
Furthermore, while creating Diwali Rangoli, illuminating homes and offices in traditional clothes do remember to light up lives of deprived & lonely, so allocate time before Diwali to visit them for they need your time not just monetary help. Begin with what appeals to you – Old age homes, Children’s homes, Homes for Deaf & Dumb, Homes for Visually Impaired or Homes for Mentally challenged!
It is also good weather to ‘Spring-clean’ rooms, neglected corners, and cupboards bursting with ‘never to be worn clothes’- too many tops & shirts too many pants, too many sweaters. Share & give away to recycling and needy NGO’s. What means so little to you is of great importance to someone out there, someone in the slums bordering posh colonies; those who value your contribution!!
Another worthy thought is to remember the preservation of environment during Diwali period- conserve electricity, use biodegradable, environment friendly items & opt for solar lights, wherever possible.