A MUCH AWAITED FESTIVAL, DIWALI- REMEMBRANCES

 

The much-awaited joyous festival of lights is again here. In retrospection, Though Diwali is honored due to the same traditional values yet it had one more meaning for us. It was the day when the whole family used to congregate in one place. It was delightful and exciting to meet our cousins, grandmother, uncle, and aunt after a long long lag. Schools vacations were announced for festival months i.e. There weren't any schools from Dusshera to a few days after Diwali.

It was the time when the festival of Diwali was not only confined to the families but to the community as well. We knew all the members, residing not only in our lane but also in adjacent lanes, and could smell the pleasant aroma of specially cooked recipes from each home gratifying our olfactory lobes. It is rightly said that "The aroma reaches the nose before the food reaches the mouth and we can taste it." We had to cherish that aroma in our brains before we actually get to taste it on Diwali. Here I would like to mention that we (all children) were diligent participants in the preparation of all the delicacies at our home. This is a trait that is missing in the present generation who refrains from assisting for preparation but are always ahead in devouring the same.

There was a happy exchange of delicacies and pleasantries and everyone enjoyed doing so. The cover on the plate in which the sweets and other savories were exchanged were used to gauge the quality of delicacies inside the plate. More attractive and artistic covers define the creative genius and the positive intention of the giver whereas others were just accepted not to embarrasses them but with less heart.

The smell of paints, varnishes, and whitewash pervaded throughout the entire colony. Everyone used to put in all their efforts to embellish their homes (with the hope that goddess Lakshmi will come to their abodes on the night of Diwali). The houses were painted on each Diwali with either "chuna" or "yellow soil" or distemper. Rejmal paper was used to scrape off the old coating and it was supplanted by a new coat. Whitewashing the houses was done annually which is missing these days. Houses really appeared more clean and brand new and heralded the advent of the auspicious festival of Diwali.

Buying new clothes

We never got to have branded dresses in those days. Moreover, we always wore tailor-stitched dresses rather than buying readymade ones. If we have to go for readymade ones, sales were the first option. local Shops on Rajbada or M.G.Road were always given the preference. We were happy and contented in those clothes and felt ourselves in the 7th sky after donning them on the day of Diwali. Refurbishing and altering the clothes of the elders for younger ones was highly prevalent in most families.

Buying fireworks

I was quite scared of crackers when I was a kid. I am repulsive to Crackers even now. Crackers were usually meant for my elder brother who had all dominance over me. He used to enjoy my share of crackers too. I was only an observer and sometimes get to enjoy the sparkles of 'Phulijhri' of 'rassi'

Similarly, Niki was very scared of crackers, and she had to be literally dragged by her parents to come 

for pooja at the shop as she had to cross the bustling lane of Sarafa laden with bangs and explosions of crackers.

Once our grandmother told us about the harmful effects of burning crackers. Inspired by her reasons for the harm associated with fireworks, I completely gave off them. So, with time the idea and desire of having crackers never walked in mind and saved us from directly exposing us to the detrimental effects of the crackers.

Deepawali Puja: 

Deepawali is believed to be the festival of the arrival of Goddess Lakshmi. Puja of Goddess Laxmi, Saraswati, and Lord Ganesh. is done to invoke them and bless our homes with their arrival. According to a hearsay, Sita (consort of Lord Rama) was an incarnation of Lakshmi and after an exile of 14 years, she returned to Ayodhya on Diwali; to welcome her and show happiness, the whole city was adorned with diyas. The lights of Diyas enlightened the whole city on the night of 'Amavasya'. Ganeshji is the lord of Riddhi and Siddhi and Laxmi Ji is the goddess of prosperity and they are worshipped together to get good luck throughout the year.

Apart from Goddess Lakshmi,, Saraswati and Lord Ganesh, Lord Mahavira, and Gautam Swami are also worshipped on the night of Diwali. Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana on Diwali and Gautam Swami, who was his disciple acquired 'Keval Gyan' with the nirvana of Mahavira. All the rituals pertaining to Puja were followed religiously. Sometimes even a pundit performed all the rituals for us. Puja was a grand event at that time and mostly took place in our Shastri Colony home. But once we moved to Agrawal Nagar, pooja took place at our shop at Morsali Gali. It was a joyful and scintillating event and many people used to grace the occasion. Chachaji, Chachiji, Niki, Bapna uncle and family, several 'karigars', and our complete family used to be present there. I hardly remember if Bully ever came for Puja. Puja was followed by giving gifts to karigars and by elders to younger. We used to anxiously wait for our turn and felt so elated on receiving the blessings and cash. That was one of the happiest moments for us. After Puja, we used to go to a Jain temple adjacent to our shop and exchange wishes with a hoard of people. There was always a photo session at the time of pooja which continued for many years. The next day's early morning (somewhere around 5), the sacred 'Gautam Rasa' was narrated in temples, and 'Laddus ( called nirvana ke laddu)" was offered to the idol of Mahavir Swami in remembrance of their achievements. We were forced to leave beds in the chilling morning of winters and were compelled to visit the temples. Though with a lot of reluctance we used to abide by the order of parents and literally trawled to the temples.

.

Kuldevi Pujan: It is on 'ekam' i.e 'pratipada' that we perform kuldevi poojan and beseech her blessings from her for the wellness and prosperity of the family. This puja was (and is) participated only by the members of the Nahta clan. We all remain hungry till the offerings are done to the deity. Dadagurudev puja is also performed simultaneously. A simple 'feast' comprising of boiled rice, boiled green lentil, 'Raita with fried skinned urad dal dumplings and some sweet delicacies which are/were specially prepared by my mummy for Puja. After Puja, everybody seeks the blessings of their elders. That's the only day when I remember everyone always lunched together. 

The same rituals are followed today too, what's new or missing then? First, the members and their number kept fluctuating every year. Chachaji and dadisaheb were two of the major members of all the rituals. Now they are no more and we cannot do anything except missing them. Anju di, Bully and Niki are betrothed and celebrate Diwali in their homes as per their family traditions. They are occasionally present but that too accidentally.

After the marriage of Atul Bhaisaab, Rita Bhabhi, Aashi, and Shana were permanently added to the family, so inadvertently they were new members in Diwali Pujas.

Second, neither that yearly pungent smell of paints exists nor that craze of decorating houses remained.

For me after paralysis, lots of things have changed. It has been many years since I've gone to the shop for Puja. A Diwali of aloofness only remained past 13 years. But I'm sure soon the times will change.

Diwali has always been a festival for me to return home. Wherever I stayed, I would always return to my home on this auspicious day. None of the circumstances held me back or hindered my path to not be present with my parents on this occasion.

Deflationary has inadvertently brought in many changes. Cutting cost on home decorations, sweets, gifts, clothes, though undesirable yet had to be accepted. Deflationary had been the raison d' etre for the unwitting increase of the gap between the people. 

Diwali celebrations now seem to be more like a formality than a festival of revelries. Previously people used to wait for this festival to come but now they heave a sigh of relaxation after this festival is gone.
Diwali is still a much solicited, & alluring festival but it has lost its old charm and splendidness; unwittingly, at least for the lower-middle-class and lower-class families. Still, Diwali would always remain a special time when family and friends get together for fun, cheer and escalate the feeling of belongingness I end here with this wish on Diwali:🎇🎆🎆

With gleam of Diyas

And the echo of the chants

Let's show some love and care

May happiness and contentment fill your life

And wish everyone out there

Happy Diwali

Here are memories of the moments celebrated together which are attached to my heart forever

Kuldevi Puja-2000
Chachaji, Atul B., Jijaji, Papaji

Kuldevi puja at Agrawal Nagar in 1992

Diwali at shop 1992

 

Diwali 1991
Me, Mahendra B, Bafna uncle, karigars, Ladu Ben, Lali, Anju di

kuldevi puja 2000

1993-At shop
Atul B, Niki, Chachiji, Mummy, Anju di
And some karigars

1993- At the shop
Bafna uncle, Mahndra B, Kamla aunt, Papaji,
Chachiji, Chachaji, Mummy,Me, Anjudi, Niki

1994- At the shop
Bafna uncle, Me, Niki, Atul B

1994-Mummy. Atul Bhai., Bafna unc, Anju di

1994-Bafna uncle, Papaji, Chachaji

1995- At Shop
Papaji, Chachaji, Sonu, Anju di, Mummy, Niki

1995- Kuldevi Pujan, Agrawal Nagar

1995-kuldevi Pujan, Agrawal Nagar

2000-At shop
Me, Bafna uncle with granddaughter, Papaji with Aashi, Chachaji, Niki, Mummy, Chachiji, Bhabhi, Neeta Bhabhi 

2002-At shop
Niki, Aashi, Mummy, Chachiji, Bhabhi

2002- At the shop
Papaji, Bafna uncle & Chachaji

2003- Me & Papaji at shop

2004-At shop
Bhabhi, Mummy, Aashi, Me, Chachaji with Shana, Bhaisaab, Bafna uncle

Happy Birthday Archa

 

Beauty isn’t about having a pretty face but it is about

 having a pretty mind, a

 pretty heart, and most importantly a beautiful soul. & she 

was & is true to it.

ARCHA: LOVELY PRINCESS

Cutie-pootie

She was cute, cherubic, innocent,  kittenish, and svelte when young and metamorphosed to a graceful, elegant, admirable, and beautiful lady in her 20’s. But she still maintained the charm of childhood.

Baby Archa

From her inception in her mother's womb, we all were anxiously waiting for her to open her eyes to the world and that propitious moment finally came. She graced the Earth on 20th November with her presence, bringing in a joyousness for all and exuberance on the faces of her parents.

Like all mothers, Bhuaji always had a protective disposition towards her daughters, but her being more lovely and artless deserved extra care and attention from her. As she felt protected n Bhuaji’s presence, she was always ‘clung’ to her and earned a short-lived moniker ‘chipku’. Though she was pampered yet she grew up into an unsullied obedient child. Unfortunately, I do not remember seeing her till she was 6-7 years old, so the period from toddler to 6-7 years old is still incognizant to me. I just remember that she was called 'Lalu' at home.

With Bhuaj

As she was very young to us we rarely allowed her to be a part of our activities. Here, I feel she was more matured than us as she neither whined on her aloofness nor sulked on her being ignored by us. On top of it, she always maintained a comely and pristine smile on her face.

Archu with mamaji

I do not remember when I first met her but got acquainted with her as a sweet, insouciant, nonchalant, and frolicking girl. I hardly remember if she ever shed tears and always remember her as a person with a beatific smile. 

Gommatgiri 1995, bhuaji, Richu, Mummy, Anju di & Archa

Once she along with Bhuaji, Richu, Mummy, Anju di, and me, went sightseeing in Indore. That was the only period when I got to spend a lot of time with her. She romped and regaled during the whole tour. Her innocence and chirpiness left an indelible mark on my memory

With Anjudi, Richa & me

I might have met her many times in the past and may have several memories associated with her but unfortunately, a lot of them have drained out of my brain.

With me at Bijasen tekri

Viraj and Archa

She grew up, got graduated, and tied nuptial bonds with a boy of her choice, Viraj. I was stunned when I heard the news of her wedding because I always remembered her as a cute, innocent, and tiny girl. I thought that probably a child marriage is being done in our family but a caterpillar always flies out as a butterfly.

It was after paralysis that once Richu showed me her portrait hung in her drawing-room and asked me to identify the model. It was hard for me to believe that she is Archu. That indubitably meant that I’d not seen her for years. She looked so pretty, just like a Bollywood diva.

She was a part of our most family occasions and often came to Indore, but somehow I do not remember much of our interactions. Maybe she needs to remind me of them.

Atul Bhaiya's I anniversary-Agra
Archa, Bhuaji, Bhabhi, Atul Bhaiya, Papaji

At Anjudi's wedding

After her marriage, I met her at Niki’s wedding. She was as bubbly as always. I realized that she took a lot from her mother.

Archa and Arnishi giving birthday wishes to Atul Bhaisaab

She became the mother of a pretty daughter ‘Arnishi’. Arnishi has the brilliance of her mother in her eyes. I got to see bofadem in an online zoom family meet. She suggested the idea and it was overwhelming to see all the familiar faces. It was an unprecedented and memorable event that helped me refresh all but most of the memories

Archa in the Zoom video conference

.

At Niki's wedding

Recently, in a self-assessment test, she defined herself to be adventurous, thoughtful, ambitious, and emotional. As she has inherited most from her mother, she must be emotional, but definitely, she is not maudlin. The way she has climbed her career ladder evinces an ambitious persona of her. She might be right in being adventurous but I'm still oblivious to it. She has indeed grown up as a thoughtful, affectionate, cheerful, captivating, charming, and ingenuous person. She says that a person can be different at different times but I hope these traits may always persist in her.

No one has ever seen the other side of the Sun, and Archa is akin to the sun for me. I've mentioned what I perceived and that only I've expressed in this blog. I may be biased in assessing her, but it is only my belongingness for her that I cannot see any flaw in her. I'm happy knowing her this way only

 

🎂🎂🎂 On her birthday I wish her a happy and prosperous life and wish that she bear the charm of childhood always, and keep relishing us with her mellifluous voice. She is beautiful, not in face or, not in what she said but, just in what she is…..

❤❤❤

Standing-Chachiji, Chachaji,Surendra Mama, Bhuaji, Mummy, Sitting-Dadisaheb; Sitting on the ground- Anjudi, Archa & Richa

 

Anju di, Richa, Archa & Mummy

 

Atul Bhaisa, Dadisa, Anjudi,Bhuaji, Richu and Archu

Archa in Agra-1998

Hope to Fly

 

Hope to fly

Aimed to soar high in the sky

Found me into Nadir instead

A desire for the light always

Got restricted by the darkness ll1ll

Moved forward, felt tired

Respite and cheerfulness were  craved

My prayers were overheard

There were only rest and no flight of a bird,ll2ll

I covet at times

Pause to, not to be futile

Yearn to make the best out of it

Work for everyone's benefit ll3ll

Often find confronted by gloominess

Which enshrouds my smile

Having no doubt that yet

God has to open my splendid days' file ll4ll

When and how this will happen

Neither you nor can I predict

My dreams will transpire someday

I will fly, Take to the sky

If only fate does not interdict ll5ll

Love me all times

Injuries were inflicted by life many times

Sans the use of any deadly device

The toughness of the heart was on test all times

 I was persecuted by way of their choice

Many break down coz couldn't endure adverse times

But I stood like a mountain though repriced

Shameless, as I was aimless, an unconfirmed surmise

Made me find solace in solitude betimes

Did not resisted solitary existence though regretted it sometimes

No one explored the depth of heart to be precise

The truth remained hidden in me all times

Now, no complaints with anyone as solitariness sufficed

Coz, I have started loving me all the times

Who is handicapped?

 

Time and time again, I’ve heard that I’m handicapped. For the last 12 years, this venom is being poured in my ear unwittingly or willfully. Like a phoenix bird, I rose from ashes and found myself to have paralysis. My left limbs were not working, my senses have taken a toll, and even my cognitive power has also gone away. Eventually, I succumbed to vitriolic remarks of others, some on my helplessness and others on my coerciveness. A feeling of uselessness rippled over my paralyzed body. I was left alone, and the only one to give me the company was my tears.

Wetting eyes and emanating a stream of salty water from eyes is no solution to the ordeal which I have to go through, and at this interval, all other miseries seemed insignificant in front of this tribulation;

 Grief has to be overcome now by exploiting my disability for my benefit. I mustered the courage, strengthen the willpower, and told me that this phase would also pass, so prepare for the future by embracing new knowledge and techniques. This all was because of the motivation provided to me by my parents

My parents: My motivators

   It was the time when I’ve to prove my usefulness and give significance to life. The physical constraints had already put a question mark on my utility in life. Now I’ve to find the answer.

Like any luminous body, life also has both umbra and penumbra. A newspaper tiding on the correspondence B.Ed course helped me to leave the umbrous part and get into the zone of the penumbra.   However, now my financial constraints were there to hinder my path. At this juncture, My parents along with my Masi (Mankunwar Banthiya)

Masi and  me

and my friend

Mohit Yadav  

Mohit Yadav helped me financially, in transportation, and academically respectively; I cleared the qualifying exam and eventually completed this course.

Disability has still not left me, and therefore, I’ve to source out something to make the best use of it. God heard me and government of Madhya Pradesh announced MPTET exams with age and cut-off relaxation for the handicap.

Harsh

I was aided by my cousin (Harsh Dhadda) with all formalities apropos to the exam and eventually in writing it. Because of the lackadaisical attitude of the government, the results were announced after a gap of 6-months. I was thrilled to hold merit in both HSTT and MSTT.

The government again took a volte-face and challenged the capability of postgraduates in biology courses like Microbiology, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry in teaching higher secondary classes. This stance was a real set-back for me and again shrouded me in the cloud of darkness.

Selected candidates initiated various processes to resolve this issue. More able ones gave memorandums to several ministers and started several twitter movements and agitations. Persons with locomotor disability confined themselves in actively tweeting appertain to teacher’s recruitment and biology branches. They were joined by others who were not able to travel to distant places due to their problems. Moreover, it is worth mentioning that usage of social media was not a choice but merely a constraint for them due to their inability to participate in ground events.

There is a third lot too. They refrain from participating in any event. They dale in indolence and remain intoxicated in their daydreaming. These people are so unconcerned that it’s unfathomable that a government job matters to them or not. The disability is lurking in them which is not visible to others.

Due to the pandemic, ground events is now a far-fetched possibility but to protect the issues of recruitment and justice to biology, not to go in cold, tweeting daily is a requirement of time.

I’ve always regretted my handicap but, now I am uncertain about it. A doubt arises in the vitals of my brain; Am I Handicap? Or who is really handicap?