Getting through the college of your choice in a big city leaves you exultant. After spending all your life within the confines of your small town, moving into a metropolis is a breath of fresh air. Finally escaping your safe haven, you are itching to test out your newfound freedom away from home. It’s almost impossible to contain the excitement that comes with being on your own. So you set out to spend your time on your own terms; feeling unapologetic and responsible at the same time.
But as this exhilaration starts wearing off, reality kicks in. You are at the helm of your own actions, with no one to keep you in check. While this sounds enticing on the surface, the burden of responsibility becomes overwhelming. The realization that the bridges have burned and there’s no going back to your former life hits you like a wave. Concentrating on the studies becomes a herculean task, what with your mind buzzing with your other commitments. You end up falling between these two stools, and everything becomes a mess.
The memories keep you sane.
Nostalgia and homesickness tantalize you with the memories of your safe old life and you start missing home. You pine for the comforts of family, the safety and warmth of your mother’s touch and your dad’s benign smile that speaks volumes. You miss the air of familiarity that your hometown exudes. Now that you’re alone in the unknown, you yearn for something familiar to latch upon.
Time then, works in your favor. Before long, it’s the rich culture of India that comes to your rescue. It’s that time of the year again, when it’s time to visit home. Thanks to the beloved festive season- that’s knocking our doors again- some of our plights alleviate. Come October, and you would be packing your bags for a trip home, a chore which you are only too happy to do. You are beside yourself with joy on the prospect of seeing your loved ones again.
The festivals best celebrated together.
The relief is immense; the anticipation palpable. To top it off, the ambiance is celebratory. Even if you are not a believer, it’s impossible to resist the festive atmosphere. It’s almost as if the macrocosm echoes the joy within. The jovial Navratri brings everyone together. The upbeat spirit of celebration helps clear your mind and you can’t help but feel content and full. You are all too happy to participate in the arrangements and the pujas that epitomize the festive season. Then comes Diwali, which illuminates lives like none other. The fireworks burst in the air, so does your heart with joy. The serenity of it all is worth the wait. After all, Diwali is best spent in the company of people you love.
But the break is only a few days long, and as the day of your looms closer, you can’t help but feel forlorn. You wish you could go back in time again, to experience it all once more. The after-festival blues feel very real and as you part with your family again, you can’t wait to see them again.
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