Deepavali – A rewind of childhood memories for Narashiman

Do you have any idea how Deepavali is celebrated in a typical North Arcot family? Narashiman shares the tradition of making hot water for Ganga snanam, bursting favorite fireworks, Deepavali menu and his plans for this year.

What thought comes to your mind when I say "Deepavali"?
None other than school holidays, pattasu, and new clothes.

How is Deepavali celebrated in your family?
Grand, grand celebration. Deepavali is celebrated for 2 days! We celebrate it at home, and once in a while we visit our aunt's place in Vellore and celebrate with her.

Is there a family tradition? Special dish? Special prayers?
In North Arcot, on the eve of Deepavali day we do "Neer Ropara Pandigai" (Water Filling Festival). We used to have a separate room (Veneer ul) in the backyard for warming water for bathing during winter. On this day, veneer ul will be specially cleaned and decorated with maa kolam (rice flour) and chemman (red color). Veneer thavalai will be decorated with images of Suryan and Chandiran drawn with chunnambu. Water will be filled with belief of worshipping ganges! We have special menu for dinner with Bajji, Drumstick Sambar, Dangar pachidi , Semiya payasam etc. The menu is more special than the Deepavalli day. We wake up by 3. After ganga snanam, we go to temple with dad. After getting back home, we get blessings from our Grandparents. It is our family practice, every time we wear new dress; we have to do namaskaram to our Grandparents.

Any childhood memories?
Lots and lots. I have fired Oosi patasu from top of guava tree in our home. Porukify the boosu ana patasu, remove the papers and fire the chemicals. Dad used to buy big lots of crackers, being eldest of the three brothers. I dominate and split up the crackers into three, later all of us will fire everyone crackers. So much of fun :)

Any adventures?
The adventurous Deepavali was my cousin sister’s “Thalai Deepavali”. All my cousins had come to my aunt's place on the day before Deepavali. Meal was all ready and we were about to have dinner, suddenly there came a down pour. The torrential downpour started flooding our house and water from backyard flowing towards the front door. All the six rooms of the house got flooded in few minutes. We formed a team of two and took charge a room each. It took us about 3 hours to get the entire water out of the house:) It was so much of fun than panic :)

When do you start planning for Deepavali?
Ideally I start on the New Year day. The first thing I do is gather my brothers, and look at the calendar for Deepavali. Then we discuss how we should celebrate this year and what fireworks to buy. Till my grandpa was alive, he will start buying crackers about 2 months prior to the diwali. Every evening he will supervise us firing them until the Karthigai pandigai.

Catching a new movie,is it a part of the Deepavali celebration?
Never

Do you spend the day with family or friends or both?
Mostly family and friends visit home throughout the day with sweets.

Are you done with your shopping this year?
I am in US and there is no holiday for Deepavali. Mom has send clothes for the pandigai. Deepavali mood is gearing up, I will definitely prepare some bakshanams and attend some parties :)

Any message for friends and family?
Miss them all being alone in US. Will catch them all over the phone on the Deepavalli. Have a fun filled festival and don’t forget to share pictures.

About Narashiman: A master chef – Tam Bhram cuisine, a keeper of tradition and values, a connoisseur of classical music (first recipient of Sangeetha Kala Veri from Music Academy :-) ) and very warm and affection human. He is currently in US, on a long–term project.