Pallavi Sharda Instagram – From the time I was at school, Diwali was about dressing up in my favourite Indian attire, self styling my face and hair in the Indian trends of my imagination and performing the dances I had choreographed for my friends and I at community functions around Melbourne. This ritual started when I was about 6 (first Diwali dance was performed to Kajra Mohabbat Wala – chosen by my mum!). I remember so fondly each and every function, each performance and the post program euphoria in which we kids, aunties, uncles and elders would revel and dance. When it was time for sparklers and fireworks, the community group marvelled at the lights and giggled at the confused hard hatted Aussie safety officers running between the sparks.
It was a time that brought my Indian identity to the fore, when I could unashamedly sit in the part of myself that most felt like home. I’m so grateful to be part of a diaspora that feels so intensely, that tells the stories of its mythology with such furore, that year after year, reminds me that light ultimately prevails.
This photo with my friend Niyanta was taken when I was in eighth grade… incidentally around the time my monobrow had been acceptably shaped into two distinct parts!
Sab ko Diwali ke shubh kamnaye! #happydiwali Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | Posted on 04/Nov/2021 09:11:43