Returning home while working remotely has been a treat. However, this year, it seems to be slightly special, as Diwali arrived just in time. I really have been enjoying working remotely. For periods like these, it means I get to enjoy festivals and spend precious time with my family, all while balancing my tasks. So here we are, navigating the buzz of work deadlines and the warmth of home, which has recently transformed into Diwali central.
Yesterday, on November 1st, our family gathered for an evening pooja (the Hindi term for prayer). This got me thinking, as I don’t really like attending functions or parties, and originating from a close-knit community means that you will be either hated or just sought out even more! However, Diwali pooja is a tradition that goes back in our family, a constant with well-ingrained memories. As a kid, I used to show up to my dad’s workplace; I recall all the kids showing up with their new shinning attire, meeting up in the Shopping center, showing off their new clothes, and finally going for a Diwali meal. Now, whenever possible, I continue to honor it at home.
Zelda Joins the Celebration
No Diwali would be complete without the full family in attendance—including Zelda, our dog, who has become a bona fide pooja participant. Zelda is the heart of our pack, at least I like to believe so, or perhaps I have sort of forced her into the equation, to the extent that during the ceremony, she was right in the middle of things, tail wagging, eyes bright. I don’t know if it was the family vibe or the mystical energy of the pooja, but Zelda seemed genuinely captivated, especially by this particular part: a bowl of milk with 11 coins, one of them gleaming gold. You could see her sniffing the air, clearly intrigued. I don’t blame her; even I have always eyed that bowl of milk with a hint of curiosity.
The Diwali Pooja Steps
Our pooja started around 7 PM when the air just began to fill with the unfortunate sound of tourism, given the place I live in. Dad took the lead, holding a piece of paper that outlined the steps and the chants. He read aloud, leading us through each verse. The atmosphere was solemn yet warm, with all of us gathered around, each holding small flowers and rice grains. These offerings, while simple, felt symbolic of our prayers and wishes for the coming year.
We each held a handful of rice and rose petals at the start, which we later placed in a small tray. The act felt almost meditative, connecting us to the tradition and, in a way, to each other. Zelda was naturally staring at the rice, perhaps wondering if this was another treat meant for her. By the time we placed the flowers and rice into the tray, she had settled herself in the middle of us, practically basking in the warmth of the ritual.
The Curious Case of the 11 Coins
Now, the 11 coins—this has always been an interesting part of the pooja. Out of these, one coin was golden, representing wealth and abundance. According to tradition, odd numbers such as the number 11 are auspicious, representing a balance of spiritual and material blessings. The coins were placed in a bowl of milk to invite prosperity into our lives, symbolizing wealth that we hope flows steadily like milk, clean and plentiful. The ritual involves fetching each coin out and placing them over both eyes; while this is ritualistic enough, for me, it’s the passing of the bowl among us, counting the coins together, touching each one gently, almost reverently.
Zelda, bless her heart, couldn’t keep her eyes off that milk bowl. Whether she sensed the energy in the room or was just eager for a sip, she sat with a dignity and grace that would make even the most devoted worshipper smile. It was as if she, too, was counting her blessings with us.
Wrapping Up with Family and Festivity
After the prayer, comes what every person has been eyeing during the whole ritual; the sweets! Exchanging smiles, we shared the with each other and lingered in the moment, savoring the joy of being together. I couldn’t help but feel that this year’s Diwali, simple as it may have been, is as important as any other. The balance of old traditions and our modern family—including Zelda, of course—made it feel complete.
Diwali may be about the triumph of light over darkness, but sometimes, it’s also about the small, quirky things, like a curious pup, a bowl of milk, and the joy of being right where you’re supposed to be.
I hope you enjoyed reading this small excerpt of a family moment I was having. To more to come, I wish everyone a joyous and prosperous Diwali! May the festival of lights illuminate your life with happiness, health, and success.
