1st Blog of Mini-Series: Celebrations of Light, Fire, Water, and Colors Around the Globe

Many holidays celebrated worldwide hold a profound significance, whether they honor family values, arrival of seasons, or grand historical events. However, what may surprise you is the multitude of festivities that pay homage to the elemental forces of light, fire, water, and colors. In this mini-series of blogs, I invite you to delve into these rich and diverse traditions from across the globe.

Light, fire, water, and colors stand as symbols that resonate with the very essence of human existence. These elements also constitute the building blocks of life itself, comprised of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. These elements form the livable environment for humankind and the myriad forms of life on our planet. In an era long before the discovery of fire and the invention of electricity, our ancestors faced formidable challenges as they strived to survive amidst the wild and untamed landscapes of our world.

Regardless of where these cultures emerged, in the western or eastern hemispheres, in tropical or arctic climates, people celebrate the enduring significance of these four elemental forces. They celebrate the warmth and nourishment brought forth by fire, which transformed raw ingredients into cooked sustenance. They celebrate the brilliance of light, which granted them the ability to explore the mysteries of night. They celebrate the life-giving essence of water, which quenches their thirst and sustains the vitality of our planet. And they celebrate the vibrant and kaleidoscopic world revealed through the spectrum of colors, painting a rich tapestry of human experience.

I. Light

Diwali: A Celebration of Light, Unity, and Culinary Delights

In my neighborhood circle, several Indian and Chinese families (including us) give rise to a tradition of celebrating cultural holidays collectively. From Diwali, Lunar New Year to Holi and Moon Festival, the children from all these families revel in the joy of festivity, engaging in various activities and enjoying delectable dishes and sweets.

Diwali's Ancient Roots

Diwali's roots can be traced back to ancient India. It is one of the most widely celebrated festivals in India and among Indian communities around the world. Diwali celebrates the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. It is linked with Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and Ganesha, the god of wisdom and the remover of obstacles. The festivities begin two days before the new moon and extend two days after. The new moon is deemed as the darkest night of the Hindu calendar. The apex of the celebration falls on the third day and is known as the main Diwali.

In our town, each year, a vibrant set of Diwali-themed art exhibitions, musical performances, and dance shows come to life. These events provide a space for artists from various backgrounds to showcase their talents and celebrate the beauty of cultural diversity. Diwali serves as a magnet, drawing families and communities closer, forging stronger bonds, and making lasting memories. It is a reminder of the importance of love and companionship, while advocating cultural awareness, inclusivity, and unity. It serves as a reminder that festivals like Diwali have the power to bridge divides within our interconnected world.

Decorating Our Neighborhood with Radiance

My younger sister and I eagerly participate in helping our neighbors decorate their houses with diyas (oil lamps), colorful rangoli designs, and dazzling electric lights. As dusk falls, we engage in friendly races to turn on the switch and illuminate the houses with a radiant glow. The creation of intricate rangoli designs at the entrance of homes stands as a cherished tradition. We gather flower petals or use colored sand to craft rangoli patterns, often featuring peacock motifs or abstract floral shapes. These vibrant designs symbolize the joy and liveliness within a household, while also extending a warm welcome to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune. The use of colors and vivid patterns never fails to captivate me.

For my sister, the highlight of the occasion is the chance to wear traditional Indian attire, such as saris or kurta-pajamas. She is thrilled to learn the art of draping a sari gracefully, securing one end at the waist while letting the other end drape over her shoulder as a shawl. The girls take out their treasured jewelry and accessories to adorn the clothing and look their best for the festivities.

Diwali: A Beacon of Light and Positivity

With its rich history and cultural significance, Diwali radiates light and positivity. Its cultural influence transcends the boundaries of Indian communities, bringing people from diverse ethnic backgrounds in celebration of the triumph of light over darkness and the beauty of cultural diversity.

A Feast for the Senses

Diwali is synonymous with feasting and the exchange of mithai (sweets) among friends and family. I wholeheartedly recommend experiencing Diwali through its diverse and mouthwatering cuisine. Exploring Indian sweets and special dishes during the festival provides a delightful journey to expand culinary diversity. Feasting is central to Diwali, with dishes from rich Indian curries to traditional sweets being indulged in without restraint. Sugary delights, including traditional Indian desserts, dominate the menu. My personal favorite is the Gulab Jamun, a dessert that derives its name from gulab (rose) due to its aromatic syrup and jamun, a small plum-like fruit resembling the sweet. It's crafted from khoya or mawa (milk solids heated and thickened to a soft dough-like consistency). The khoya is mixed with flour and molded into small spheres, which are then gently deep-fried in oil. These golden spheres are then soaked in a delicate sugar syrup infused with cardamom, rose, or saffron, giving it a mesmerizing golden hue that tantalizes both the eyes and the taste buds.

The Sparkling Delight of Fireworks

For children and adults alike, the pinnacle of Diwali festivities is undoubtedly the fireworks display on Diwali night. We gather on the lawn, relishing the traditional sweets, while our eyes are treated to a spectacular array of fireworks bursting into magnificent patterns across the night sky!