My First Deepavali Experience: A Celebration of Food, Fun and New Traditions

After an eventful celebration, we captured the memory. PHOTO: Nikesh Sundara Nageasuwarran

If there’s one thing I took away from my first Deepavali or the first time with friends last year, it’s the unmatched energy and warmth that fills the air - an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.

After an eventful celebration, we captured the memory. PHOTO: Nikesh Sundara Nageasuwarran

A Warm Welcome and Vibrant Traditions

About this time last year, my classmate Nikesh invited me, along with a few friends, to celebrate Deepavali with his family. Heading over, I had no idea what to expect—the food, the festivities, the crowd. But the moment I arrived, the mood was instantly welcoming. Nikesh’s family gathered around a large picnic table set outdoors and greeted us warmly.

Discovering the Art of Kolam and Elegance of Sarees

Though we came from different cultures, my friends and I felt right at home with his family and their guests. As the day went on, I picked up some fun facts and Deepavali that might surprise you. The first thing I noticed was the beautiful, colourful designs on the ground, known as ‘Kolam’ in Tamil. Here’s an interesting twist: Kolam are created using rice flour. And a funny tidbit? Nikesh’s uncle used the leftover rice flour to feed pigeons, which they loved.

I also noticed every woman was dressed in a saree, the traditional Indian attire. Did you know that a saree can be draped in over 100 ways? The garment measures around 6 meters long and has been cherished and worn by Indian women for generations, each style carrying its own significance and cultural meaning.

Indians often place clay lamps outside their homes to symbolize the inner light that protects them from spiritual darkness. (PHOTO: Nikesh Sundara Nageasuwarran)
Beautiful Kolam designed by Nikesh’s sister. (PHOTO: Nikesh Sundara Nageasuwarran)

A Feast for the Senses

Then, it was time for the main event: food! As a foodie, I was thrilled to see a whole buffet of authentic Indian dishes laid out. Fish curry, butter chicken, briyani, crackers and my favourite – achar. Everything was delicious and my stomach couldn’t have been happier.

Games, Laughter and Lasting Memories

Next on the list? Games. My friends and I are fiercely competitive, so you can imagine the intensity when Monopoly and UNO came out. Amid the laughs, friendly rivalry and shared memories, I realised that Deepavali isn’t just about celebrating a holiday; it’s about spending quality time with loved ones. This experience gave me a new appreciation for the people around me, and I couldn’t be more grateful.

Now, I’m eagerly counting down to this year’s Deepavali, ready to make more memories with Nikesh and our friends again!

Wishing everyone a joyful and vibrant Deepavali filled with love, laughter, and light!