Rewind: My First Diwali in Chicago

This past weekend was my first Diwali away from home. I was highly upset and was missing my family, and friends badly a week before Diwali. Back home in India, a week before Diwali is so busy with all the preparation and decoration for the festival. It is full of lights, fire-works and crackers, lots of sweets, and social gatherings and parties. But, for the first time, I was alone; I did not even realize that Diwali was just few days away. I had just ended my phone conversation with my parents, and with a deep sigh I logged in to my college email account. I was surprised to receive an invitation for Diwali celebration by Asian Association and International Student Service. The moment I saw the invitation, I registered for the event and was really looking forward to celebrate Diwali with other students.

The event took place in one of the college classrooms on Thursday, 15^th October 2009 at 5 pm. I volunteered my help in coordinating the event. We all met an hour before the event, did decorations, music, and arranging refreshments. The event was open for all the students (Indians as well as non-Indians). I was pleased to see that American students also participated in the event. We all had fun take part in Rangoli (making different designs with color powder) and decorating Diya’s (small earthen lamps). Then, we all offered our prayer to the God, sang traditional Indian Song (Aarti) and had food together. The event was good gratifying moment for me. I am glad that I joined the students’ association and very much content that I participated in the Diwali celebration. I look forward to more such thrilling experiences while my long effortful study life in Chicago, away from home.