I remember being eight years old, when my family would start preparing for any festival a fortnight in advance, especially around Dussehra and Diwali. Cleaning and decorating the house, preparing Mysore paak and our favorite savories, and shopping for the upcoming celebrations – Festivals have always been about food, family, and loved ones.
As adults (often living away from home), festivals feel different now. They seem like another day off, a brief escape from our busy lives. We hustle to achieve our dreams, even from different corners of the world. Yet, the essence of festivals remains—celebrating them with our loved ones.
Here are a few simple ideas to recreate our own bubble of happiness
● Host a Friends' Lunch or Potluck:
Gather your closest friends and celebrate in the most wholesome way—by sharing a meal.
● Engage in a Cultural Exchange:
Attend events that celebrate cultures other than your own.
● Recreate Childhood Rituals:
Revisit those moments that used to excite you as a child.
● Volunteer and Give Back:
Nothing brings people together quite like giving back.
● Unplug and Connect:
Put your phone away for a few hours and focus on the people in front of you.
Festivals are not just about food, decorations, or even time off. They are a reminder that in our fast-moving lives, it's important to slow down, cherish those around us and share the moments of joy. As long as we nurture that spirit, we will always find a way to celebrate—no matter where life takes us.