Shefali Shah Instagram – Not much has changed. As a kid, I remember the excitement around Diwali, the hustle and bustle of cleaning the house, changing the curtains to new ones, Dad standing on a stool and putting up lights (kandeel), Mom making a big Laxmiji ka rangoli through the night, and me sitting and sharing chai and glucose biscuits with her and Ma (my Nani). Waking up at 5 a.m. to the smell of residual phatakas and sachets of chandan and ubtan, the fragrance of dhoop and agarbatti as Dad did puja, the sound of shlokas playing in the background, and the ringing of the bells. Fights with the tailor for the almost-always delayed new clothes. Visiting family and friends with homemade mithai and laddoos. Lots of genda ka torans, scattered mogra flowers, and mitti ke diyas painted by us.
The kind of lights may have changed, and so have the decor or the vases. The clothes are more elaborate, the sweets may be sugar-free and ready-made, and rangoli made easier with stencils. Diyas are not just of mitti but of brass, or ready-painted ones in various designs, and some electric too.
But the joy of Diwali is unadulterated and as nascent as it was and is every year. Dressing up, ourselves and the home, continues like a family tradition.
I’m home proud, and Diwali is even more of a reason. All the pretty gold and bright-coloured cushions come out, the brass is scrubbed, and so is the floor. The home is flooded with flowers, family, and friends, and yet again, we are blessed. And I hope so are you and your family, with all the sweetness of laddoos, the fragrance of flowers, and the brightness of diyas.
Wishing you lots and lots of light (minus the electricity bills), laughter (induced by pure joy, not just a laughter challenge), and genuine love (not just hearts on social media) always.
A VERY HAPPY DIWALI AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL. ❤️
#DiwaliSpecial #DiwaliDecor #HappyDiwali #Diwali2025 | Posted on 19/Oct/2025 18:18:30
