Do you have any real-life, heart-warming stories to share with readers? We'd love to hear from you. Please keep your story within 900 words. Photos are optional and should be in JPEG format (file size about 1MB, captioned). There is no payment for stories, and we reserve the right to edit all submissions. Email your story to: lifestyle@thestar.com.my with the subject "Heart and Soul".
One thing that everybody can relate to when we talk about Deepavali is memories. For me, it often brings back fond memories of moments with my late Tata (grandfather).
I feel nostalgic for his presence and the many customs that he inculcated in my upbringing regarding the rituals practised in observance of this special day, by our interracial Ceylonese family.
News of spending another school holiday at Tata’s home was considered boring. We had all outgrown the ambience of a kampung home and the fragrance of sandalwood incense that greeted and filled his home.
Somehow, we never realised that burning incense is often considered spiritual. Those burning incense sticks were about to change our negative thoughts, effortlessly purifying our energy and in time, promoting our positivity.
Knowing that managing 12 boisterous children would be a real challenge, our parents planned our stay to coincide with Deepavali. Due to our diverse upbringing, Tata did not want us to forget our Indian tradition that was highly influenced by Vedic culture and teachings.
At Tata’s “boot camp”, my cousins and I listened intently as he told us stories and even answered childish questions over lunch, sitting on a rattan mat in the veranda of his home.
While he fed our hungry mouths with balls of curried rice, he was asked why we ate with our hands instead of using cutlery.
Tata said that eating with the hands originated from Ayurvedic teachings and that our five fingers were the extensions of the five elements – air, water, earth, fire and space. He explained that the thumb signified space; the forefinger, air; the middle finger, fire; the ring finger, water; and the pinkie, earth.
When you eat with your hands, you are supposed to join all the fingers together which makes you feed not only the body but also your soul. Eating from Tata’s hands made the food taste better.
Tata would take us to the Hindu temple on Fridays. The aroma of burning camphor, incense sticks and fragrant flowers remained an integral part of the main Hindu prayer rites called puja. I often felt conflicted with my beliefs, yet the purified air brought a sense of emotional devotion. Inhaling incense aroma allows you to focus, lowers stress levels, and clears mental obstructions.
According to Tata, in Hinduism, burning incense is symbolic and has deep meaning. Although incense sticks burn to ashes, their influence is felt via the pleasant smells that linger in a place. It motivates us to abandon our desires and devote ourselves to the greater good of humanity. These offerings made the deity grant good health, wealth and prosperity.
Tata also explained why we Hindus celebrate Deepavali. It is the day Lord Rama, his wife Sita Devi and brother Lakshmana returned to their homeland after being in exile. The villagers lit rows of clay lamps for Rama, who had defeated the demon king Ravana. The name is derived from the Sanskrit term dipavali, meaning “row of lights” and is also described in the epic Ramayana. The festival commemorates joy, harmony and victory.
However, some of us did not like the oil bath ritual which is a part of Diwali religious rites and conducted before dawn to purify mind and body.
Yet again, Tata managed to win over the younger ones when he explained that the oil bath ritual has special significance. Commonly done with gingelly, castor or coconut oil, and often mixed with healing herbs such as turmeric, it can help to bring balance, promote relaxation and lower blood pressure.
We could not stop laughing when Tata told us that it did not mean we had to dive into a tub full of oils! Rather, the practice involves oil being massaged into the scalp and body. This rejuvenating oil bath is believed to be beneficial to our general wellbeing.
Through the years, Tata patiently answered all our questions regarding Hinduism, which finally made sense as I grew up.
Most importantly, my grandfather was able to explain to his grandchildren that they needed to understand the simple fact that being culturally different should be accepted with mutual respect.
As I reminisce about spending Deepavali with my Tata, I yearn to hear his voice of reason and wisdom. Reliving those moments with our family is priceless. Deepavali has brought us lots of happiness and made my childhood memorable.
Deepavali is a festival of new beginnings, celebrating the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness.
From oil baths and lighted oil lamps, spicy recipes and sweets, to colourful rangolis, perfumed incense and jasmine flowers, we greet all our friends and relatives with open arms.
It is only by being a part of this grand celebration and the mystical energy associated with each ritual, that a person can feel the true spirit of Indian culture.
May every area of your life be illuminated by the sparkling lights of Deepavali and the aroma of peace that symbolises togetherness and a sense of belonging.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
