Monday, October 27, 2008

Lights from the Darkness

When I lived in Hauz Khas in Delhi, our first donation-seekers for Diwali came from the Blind Relief Association. A young man with a happy smile and vacant eyes would be accompanied by a volunteer, and in exchange for a cotton duster and 2 tall, white candles we would hand over our donation of the year. It never occurred to me then that here was someone giving us candles who would never be able to see the light they spread.

At Diwali everyone sends wishes for joy and prosperity. Ornate and opulent Lakshmis decorate walls. Shopkeepers open fresh account books. Firecrackers cost a bomb. It's all about noise and show. But in the middle of it all, as we light up our rooms with a soft glow, as we crouch on the floor to perfect a rangoli, or gaze excitedly at fireworks in the sky, we forget how lucky we are to have the eyes to see it.

I'm in Dubai this year. So Diwali will be less of the noise and more of the lights. And as I give my ears a rest and focus on just seeing all the lights around me, I'm just going to count myself lucky that I can really see the beauty all around me.

7 comments:

dipali said...

What you say is so true. Great to have you back. Happy Diwali:)

Anonymous said...

You Kind Girl, you spared a thought || Into my eyes, a glisten you brought || Yes, we should be grateful || That we can get an eyeful || Of all the wonders that the Creator has wrought!

Anamika said...

Welcome back. Missed your writing. Lovely words and lovelier thoughts...as always. Happy Diwali.

Anonymous said...

A very touching piece indeed !

Thinking Cramps said...

Dipali: Thanks. I missed meeting you in Kolkata this time. Seems you and I vacationed in the same part of the world :)

Aunty G: Sorry for the delay | In blogging till today || The end of my vacation | And return to daily tension || From blogging has kept me away :)

Anamika: My namesake. Thanks, and Happy Diwali to you too.

Transient: Thank you. Happy Diwali

Unknown said...

So beautiful and so true.Missed your posts .Happy Diwali!

the mad momma said...

you made me cry anna. hope you're happy :(