CHANDRIKA AND DARSHIT MOLLETI

Growing up in the southern Indian city of Madurai, Chandrika, 76, reminisces the joyful Diwali celebrations she used to have with her parents.

‘I would get a new dress, gifts from our elders, spend the whole evening bursting crackers with friends and visit all our neighbours,' she recalls.

Now living in Dubai with her son and his family, Chandrika, even as she rues missing celebrating the festival in India, ensures that she makes Diwali a memorable day for her grandchildren.

The Diwali festivities in their household, she says, lasts for five days, beginning with Dhanteras, Naraka Chaturdashi, then Diwali, the new year and ending in Bhai Dooj. ‘I have taught my children and grandchildren all the rituals that I learnt from my parents - touching the elders' feet as a mark of respect, performing the Lakshmi pooja together, making rangoli and cooking certain delicacies that have been made in our families for years,' she says.

As Chandrika's extended family is spread across the emirates, Diwali is one occasion that brings them all together. ‘Five of my brothers live in Ajman with their large families, so Diwali is an occassion when we all meet for prayers, exchanging gifts and chatting for hours,' she says.

Her 11-year-old grandson Darshit shares her excitement about the festival of lights.

‘This is my favourite festival and I help my grandma and mom at home with the rangoli, in lighting the diyas and setting the pooja thali. I also like to be part of making of the yummy mithai preparations, especially mysore paks and mohanthals that we all relish together,' he says.

For Darshit, post Diwali the annakut pooja has always been a day of wonder watching the amount of food getting prepared. A feast of several dishes are prepared as an offering to their diety. ‘I help in serving the dishes. There are so many sweets and snacks made on this day that it's truly amazing. I enjoy khandvi, shrikhand and basundi the most,' he shares.

The best message of Diwali, that Darshit has learnt from his grandma, is to spread happiness. ‘As my grandma always says, on Diwali throw away your worries and don't be sad.'