SURESH KUMAR AND JAYADITYA SHRIVASTAVA
Every year around Diwali, Suresh Kumar and his wife Gitanjali visit the UAE. As all their grandchildren are based in Dubai, it is important for them to celebrate the festival with their grandkids.
‘If for any reason we are unable to visit Dubai, our children fly down to India to be part of our Diwali celebrations. We want our grandkids to experience all the traditional rituals associated with the festival that is considered one of the most significant Hindu celebrations,' says Suresh, 76.
He shares that as Diwali is a time to ward off negativity and to usher in positive vibes, the cleansing process in their house begins with deep cleaning including dusting and sprucing the nooks and corners, followed by repainting the walls, changing the upholstery and shopping for new clothes for the entire family.
On Dhanteras, a couple of days before Diwali, he says, ‘It is considered auspicious to buy any kind of metal, usually silver and gold. The day of Diwali begins with the lighting of the diyas and the prayers, where both his sons and their families join in.
‘We burst small crackers in the garden and then sit down for the most cherished meal of the year -- the Diwali dinner,' he says. Some of the delicacies prepared in their home include samosas, matar kachoris, gujiyas filled with khoya and dry nuts and nariyal ladoos.
After Diwali, the Shrivastava family also celebrates the Chitragupta Pooja. ‘On this day we worship our account books, pens and inkpots.
‘We also write a few holy verses in a diary. I involve my grandkids in the prayers and tell them to keep their books in the prayer room and put their signatures on them,' he shares.
For Jayaditya, 20, his relationship with his grandfather is incredibly special. ‘He has been a mentor and friend to mes,' says the young man. ‘It is always memorable to celebrate Diwali with my grandparents. I love spending time with them and enjoy the whole experience of the festival - right from wearing the traditional clothes to the pooja, eating the delicious dinner spread and lighting the crackers.'