Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Deepavali is just days away, and instead of basking in the festive occasion with family, I am stuck here in a land far away from home.
Its interesting to note that out of the three years that I've been here, I have always somehow made it home just in time for Deepavali. But not this year.
This year, I have no choice but to spend it alone, which means:
- I cannot light up those little tea light candles and line them up on my window sill.
- I cannot savour spicy, home cooked Indian dishes.
- I cannot receive any calls/messages wishing me a Happy Deepavali.
- I cannot call on anyone physically.
- I cannot enjoy the warm, fuzzy feeling that Deepavali brings.
I'm bummed that I couldn't shop at Little India, amidst the hustle and bustle. Or walk aimlessly around Mustafa for hours. Or just enjoy the bright, colourful lights along the stretch of Little India.
Most importantly, I cannot lie in bed, while my mum is doing funny Indian prayers and hear her yell at us to get out of bed on Deepavali day itself.
Each year, without fail, my mum yells at my brother and I to get up and take a shower, only for us to lazily drag ourselves out of bed and plonk ourselves next to each other on the couch, switch on the TV, and mock every single Indian artiste on those Deepavali variety shows. We will then sit there in our sleeping clothes, while my mum does all the necessary prayers, cooks a fantastic meal, nag somemore..and then proceeds to serve us lunch, once she realises we're both incorrigible.
The rest of the day is spent watching mindless programmes and eating more Indian goodies. If we feel like it, we might go visit a few relatives. If not, the 3 of us are extremely comfortable and happy to just sit there and discuss current affairs, political issues and diss Indian myths/superstitions.
And that is the reason why I never invite friends over..because the way we spend Deepavali may sound like just any ordinary day to you, but to us...there's something special about it that I am unable to explain. And also, because I am just lazy to entertain guests..
I'm disappointed I'm missing out on Deepavali this year. I'm disappointed I can't enjoy the one day that I really embrace the Indian culture and traditions. I'm disappointed I cannot experience the warmth and nostalgia of being with family.
Yes, I am Indian afterall, you know.
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