Diwali and Its Dual Nature: Reflections on Happiness and Sadness

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, holds a special place in the hearts of millions around the world. It is a celebration symbolizing the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. However, as I recently experienced during a Diwali gathering, the festival's joyous atmosphere can also bring a bittersweet reminder of the realities of life and sacrifice.

The Ghoomar Dance at Rajasthani Feast

Yesterday was Diwali, and I attended a vibrant family gathering at a Rajasthani-themed restaurant. The venue was brimming with cultural activities, including a magic show, folk singing, puppet shows, and most notably, the ghoomar dance, a traditional dance performed by two female dancers. The dance is a symbol of Rajasthani culture and tradition, but it also highlighted the harsh reality of sacrifice and separation.

The participants were middle-aged women, performing with a joyful, yet somewhat forced, smile on their faces. Their dance was undoubtedly beautiful, but it was tinged with a sense of sadness. They didn't share this sadness openly; instead, their forced smiles seemed to mask a deeper, more palpable feeling of sorrow. After their performance, one of the dancers approached me and, with a heavy heart, shared her story. 'Diwali season is the busiest time for us,' she said. 'We earn our extra money during this festival, but it means that we cannot return to our families.' These women were millions away from their loved ones on a day meant for celebration and reunion.

Just for some extra money, they left their most celebrated festival.

The Sudden Change to Marital Bliss

Life is filled with joys and challenges, and as I write this, it’s only February 4th. My marriage is just around the corner, and the excitement of this event has been mixed with an unexpected wave of sadness. As my mother brought my carry-on bag, a familiar sensation washed over me. In the past, she used to pack my school backpack, but now I am leaving to start my new life as a wife at my in-laws' house. In that moment, my happiness turned to sadness, and I found myself reliving my childhood memories.

The packing of my life into a suitcase felt like the final act of goodbye. Each corner of the house held cherished memories, and the idea of any of those spaces no longer belonging to me was heartbreaking. My study table, my books, my wardrobe, and my bed, all of which now no longer belong to me, were a stark reminder of the irreversible change. 'Why does our culture demand vidai?,' I thought, relating lyrics to every vidai song.

The lyrics betiyan to hoti hain parai vidai, vidai, reet ye kaisi hai (girls are born, but leaving is difficult), perfectly captured the pain of parting ways with family and friends.

I love my family deeply, and leaving them is a painful experience. This is a difficult reality for girls who are expected to leave behind their homes and start a new life in another household.

So, on this Diwali, as we celebrate light and joy, let us also remember the depth of emotions that such festivals can stir. They might light up the path ahead, but the road can still be filled with potholes of loss and sacrifice.

Keywords: Diwali, culture, happiness