Festival Of Lights A Time For Family, Says Sharma
Diwali is here!
On this day, people greet each other and have a grand celebration.
The 2022 Diwali celebration is a bit different for Roselyn Sharma’s family who reside in Nadawa, Suva.
“I believe there’s no better joy in celebrating Diwali than celebrating it with your family,” Mrs Sharma said.
“I feel that Diwali becomes a party when there is too much gathering and less family time. By this, I realised that during Diwali we will never call anyone at home.”
Prior to Diwali, Hindus celebrate Navratri Pooja that lasted for 10 days.
Mrs Sharma said their Navratri Pooja went well as they took out time to meditate.
“We were not able to go to the temple that much, but we went just for one day,” she said.
“During the last day of prayer, we made the offerings as well and prayed together so it went really well.”
They, as a family often do charity work throughout the year. Not only on certain occasions, but they do it every time the opportunity arises.
Diwali preparation
Mrs Sharma said she always looked forward to Diwali because it was the beginning of New Year in the Hindu calendar.
“I feel happy about Diwali because it is the only time where we get to spend time with our family and celebrate this auspicious occasion,” she said.
“During this period, we make delicious sweets and savouries, do Diwali pooja together. The best thing about it is that we get to wear really good clothes for Diwali, like saree and all.”
Mrs Sharma said her Diwali cleaning started two months ago.
“There is a saying that Goddess Laxmi comes when the house is clean. So, there will be more wealth and blessing in the family,” she said.
“Every year after doing the clean-up, I change the curtains of my home, decorate the house, and plant flowers outside.
“We do use lights, but very little. We believe that simple decoration is unique, the less the better.”
Mrs Sharma said in previous years they celebrated Diwali splendidly, but they didn’t decorate the house during the COVID-19 pandemic and celebrated a simple Diwali.
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