Bachpan wali woh Diwali…Aaj Kal ki yeh Diwali!

Day started with receiving Diwali wishes on Whatapp since early morning, followed by early cooking, watching Rangoli – Diwali Special on DD National, house cleaning and preparation for the evening pooja.  But…I did not forget to listen to PM Narendra Modi’s Mann –Ki- Baat on radio which was based on Diwali and Festivities surrounding it! I can safely say it was the Best Diwali described ever!!  He expressed Diwali’s significance in a very unique way; he dedicated this Diwali to Soldiers of the country that guards our borders while we celebrate.

 This year it was a low-key Diwali for Vaghela house-hold as my father in law moved on his eternal journey who immensely loved Diwali followed by Gujarati New Year which was a big celebration in Vaghela House hold with patriarch “Pappa”  and “Dada” who took great interest in all the celebrations.  We all miss his presence this Diwali!! He will always be missed!!!

 Daughter Tanya is here from hostel joined with her friend Dhruvi which brought lot of joy and festivities to the festival.  Festivities started with Dhanteras Pujan at office where like one big happy family we joined hands to celebrate, there was lighting, finery, jewellery, traditional dress, puja, mithai, gifting, receiving, family gathering and what not…followed by Dhanteras Puja at home. Like all years, this year’s Diwali is also big on Laxmi Puja which I would be performing in special Temple Border Kanjeevaram saree received from www.triveniethnics.com for Laxmi Pujan. Thanks Triveni for making festivities even more special…

Saree courtesy: Triveni Ethnics

 This Diwali was made even more special by fond memories of Diwali celebrations in our childhood by one of the most revered poet by writer & poet Gulzar which I am sharing with you below. What a beautiful expression through –  बचपन वाली वो दिवाली.

हफ्तों पहले से साफ़-सफाई में जुट जाते हैं, चूने के कनिस्तर में थोड़ी नील मिलाते हैं,

अलमारी खिसका खोयी चीज़ वापस  पाते हैं, दोछत्ती का कबाड़ बेच कुछ पैसे कमाते हैं, चलो इस दफ़े दिवाली घर पे मनाते हैं  ….

दौड़-भाग के घर का हर सामान लाते हैं, चवन्नी -अठन्नी  पटाखों के लिए बचाते हैं

सजी बाज़ार की रौनक देखने जाते हैं, सिर्फ दाम पूछने के लिए चीजों को उठाते हैं, चलो इस दफ़े दिवाली घर पे मनाते हैं ….

बिजली की झालर छत से लटकाते हैं, कुछ में मास्टर  बल्ब भी  लगाते हैं

टेस्टर लिए पूरे इलेक्ट्रीशियन बन जाते हैं, दो-चार बिजली के झटके भी  खाते हैं, चलो इस दफ़े दिवाली घर पे मनाते हैं ….

दूर थोक की दुकान से पटाखे लाते है, मुर्गा ब्रांड हर पैकेट में खोजते जाते है

दो दिन तक उन्हें छत की धूप में सुखाते हैं, बार-बार बस गिनते जाते है, चलो इस दफ़े दिवाली घर पे मनाते हैं ….

धनतेरस के दिन कटोरदान लाते है, छत के जंगले से कंडील लटकाते हैं

मिठाई के ऊपर लगे काजू-बादाम खाते हैं, प्रसाद की  थाली   पड़ोस में  देने जाते हैं, चलो इस दफ़े दिवाली घर पे मनाते हैं ….

माँ से खील में से  धान बिनवाते हैं , खांड  के खिलोने के साथ उसे जमके खाते है

अन्नकूट के लिए सब्जियों का ढेर लगाते है, भैया-दूज के दिन दीदी से आशीर्वाद पाते हैं, चलो इस दफ़े दिवाली घर पे मनाते हैं ….

दिवाली बीत जाने पे दुखी हो जाते हैं , कुछ न फूटे पटाखों का बारूद जलाते हैं

घर की छत पे दगे हुए राकेट पाते हैं , बुझे दीयों को मुंडेर से हटाते हैं, चलो इस दफ़े दिवाली घर पे मनाते हैं ….

बूढ़े माँ-बाप का एकाकीपन मिटाते हैं, वहीँ पुरानी रौनक फिर से लाते हैं

सामान  से नहीं ,समय देकर सम्मान  जताते हैं, उनके पुराने सुने किस्से फिर से सुनते जाते हैं, चलो इस दफ़े दिवाली घर पे मनाते हैं …

Best tribute to our bachpan ki diwali!

Diwali has always been my favourite festival. I start preparing for the festival at least one month in advance with shopping, scouting for gifting ideas, decorations, diya making & buying etc. Diwali brings immense joy to me personally. Entire year I wait for Diwali as it is a great social, religious, religious and festivities oriented festival, I love everything around Diwali…weather also take a turn for the better! Not only this, it is the time of the year when I like to introspect about the year gone by and prepare for the future dreams…wish dreams were horses. No Diwali goes without remembering DIWALI we use to celebrate at our home town Gwalior amidst battery of family members, buas, cha-chas, dadi-dada, bhaiyya, bhabhis, didis…everybody. For female members it was kitchen time all five days whereas we children enjoyed festivities with new dresses, sweets, delicacies, crackers, rangoli…to top it all outstation visits in Diwali vacation.

You can watch PM Narendra Modi’s Manni-ki-Baat here!

Diwali is big Puja time particularly Laxmi Pujan…which I do with lot of enthusiasm and fervour as ever.

Wish all my readers a very happy Diwali & Prosperous New Year!!

 

 

Dis Diwali Drape Kashida (قشدة) for Laxmi Pujan from Triveni Sarees!

Diwali is just round the corner and shopping fervor has begun in many households. We want to gift our loved ones choicest of things which is a stupendous task in itself. But if we have to gift a woman, Saree is the best bet as all women love Sarees. What to say if the occasion is Diwali. If you want to have choicest Sarees for yourself and for your sisters, bhabhis, maasis, maamis, chachis, tais and Mom & Grand Mom, visit  www.triveniethnics.com and order as many you want. Not only this, they will also customize (read: Stitched) blouses for you in the shortest possible time. Their blouses are truly the highpoint of the Sarees which enhance the beauty and grandeur of any Saree manifold. Every Saree is a masterpiece with an affordable price tag. I am getting myself one for Laxmi Pujan, you too get yours for making your Diwali truly special.

This season Triveni Sarees has come up with their festive collection especially for Diwali – Kashida – which is breathtakingly beautiful & breezy and of course festive.

These Sarees with beautifully embroidered borders and gorgeous self plated designs with double shaded hues are ideal for festive occasions. The matching brocade blouses with cut work embroidery are a stunner all the way! The drapes are perfect amalgamation of ethnic styles and modern designs.

The swirls of Chiffon, Georgette, Lycra and Ruselle Net set an ethereal surface to drape around. Sarees are characterized for its crisp, intricate embroidery and unmatched fluidity. Sequins & Patchwork over net fabrics and embroideries at borders impart a rich textured look to add vibrancy to your ethnic wardrobe this season.

The thin yarns are finely embellished with sequin and stone work, creating a rich surface apt for festivals and celebrations. Fibers are twisted along the vibrant palette of colors. Sarees are dipped into the barrage of dual shaded colors. Blouses are Exceptional creation of flattering brocade net satin and Bhagalpuri silk. These drapes give a stunningly elegant fall, along with a feminine grace and girl charm –blend of which is impossible to achieve.

You can accessorize with trendy Jhumkas from your collection.

Reinvent the beautiful days this Diwali with family.

Don’t forget to put that beautiful smile with your favourite Triveni to glitter up the beautiful get together parties!

Don’t miss visiting: www.triveniethinics.com

Gold diggers head to Dubai in Diwali

A unique photo-essay showing might of Gold in the ‘City of Gold’ – Dubai. As one of the world’s great gold trading hubs, there is no doubt that Dubai has some of the best gold shops in the world. When it comes to buying gold, be it bullion, bars or kilos, or jewellery Dubai has a plethora of gold shops where you can indulge your passion for the much sought after metal. However, as with any investment, it makes sense to proceed with caution when investing in gold, which, in many cultures, traditionally serves as an alternative to putting money in the bank.

The Gold Souk in Dubai truly demonstrates why this Emirate has earned itself the reputation of being the city of gold. The sheer scale and variety of designs available on offer is staggering – bracelets, bangles, earrings, pendants and necklaces are available in white, pink, yellow and even green gold in unimaginable designs. There are over 400 shops to choose from and the predominant style of jewelry available is Arabic and Indian styles with some European designs available as well. Additionally, the prices of gold here are amongst the cheapest found anywhere in the world as there is no VAT or tax applicable on the purchase of gold. Browse several stores before you decide on a particular design and don’t forget to haggle for the best possible price. Ask for certificates where applicable. Also be aware that credit card purchases incur an additional fee in most shops.

Have a dekko…what you can dig in Dubai…in Gold!

Photo Courtsey: Positive Poison