Diwali looks simply superb because the Diwali looks of both, of people and places are simply gorgeous. Look at the premises themselves. Homes are squeaky clean. Cobwebs are brushed aside, floors are mopped up to the farthest corner which is comparatively easy these days as most homes are marble floored.
Without fail, there is a rangoli at the doorstep. Even the floral rangoli looks gorgeous. Next, there are the strings of the colourful marigold flowers in their ochre n yellow fluffy florescence. Most importantly, there is a sky lantern. Till our teens, we used to make it ourselves, my brothers being better experts at it. Now most all people buy it.
My most favourite decoration of Diwali is the 'panati', the earthen lamp. It has its own simple but lyrical, graceful n quiet glow. No electric dazzle, however much chinese n glittering, can match the beauty of panati-lit premises. There is something reassuring in the gentle glow of its fluttering wick. Sure these earthen diyas help the local small time business of the potter, thereby making his/her Diwali happy truly.
As for people, the daily warm oil n scrub bath cleans up the skin, while the Diwali associations clears up the soul. These days, people buy clothes any day any time. No wonder, new clothes, once upon a time Diwali specials, add to the happy look!
In brief, Diwali looks, of people and places both, are dapper!
Pratima@ No Maharashtrian courtyard, these days, a balcony, is complete without the 'fort' during Diwali. During our days, that is, up to late teens, we built it ourselves, with the minutest details carefully catered to. Now, mostly, ready-made stuff prevails. Yet the mock forts are the real ramparts of the Diwali look!
Quote of the day: Sparkle season blissfully here!
Word of the day: 'fort' A fort is a strong building that is used for military defence. For the Marathi mind, however, it is the indelible print of the memory of Shivaji Maharaj's glory.
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