Five years in Kuwait, and the onset of Diwali never felt like the way it did on this year’s IIK’s Diwali Mela. All these years, Diwali meant hanging the lantern, lighting the diyas, exchanging sweets and either bursting the crackers or watching others burst them. A few customary visits are also planned and executed. From one’s balcony, (if one was a lucky resident of an area inhabited largely by Indians) the sight of brightly-lit lanterns and diyas, was the best available harbinger of the Diwali spirit.
And, this year... it was like never before. The thrill... the festive spirit... the joy and excitement of spending a day at a Mela, celebrating the festival of lights with not just 2-3 neighbours and friends, but with thousands of Indians together, was made possible by the Team at IIK on November 2, at the premises of the Salmiya Indian Model School. As one entered the premises, one felt as if one had entered any city of India during Diwali, as the sparkling lanterns hung swaying, and welcoming all visitors with a touch of gaiety. Also, the lanterns were not just picked up at a shop and hung for the occasion; our children, studying in the various Indian schools had made them with their own hands. And as one’s gaze came down at the floor, there were groups of Indian women, making creative and beautiful Rangolis, with spectators thronging to see the designs.
It was all so different this year, in Kuwait. Indians, from all regions and walks of life could celebrate Diwali this year, together. The sheer joy of holding a cotton candy or licking a gola or a kulfi, and moving about various stalls, exploring a variety of goodies can happen only in a Mela, and to have one here in Kuwait, was an awesome Diwali treat... And, it was not just about sharing the joy of eating the delicacies of various States of India at one place, but even witnessing the cultural extravagance on one stage. Being members of any one regional organisation almost deprives us of the joy of witnessing the rich talent and creativity of the members of other fellow-organisations. At this DIwali Mela, the Maharashtrians and the Tamilians and the Bengalis and all others could not only savour the vada-pav, neer-dosa, and tamarind rice under one roof but could enjoy the blissful revelry of listening to the heart-rendering Rabindra sangeet and poetry, which the Bengali Cultural Society’s Youth Band performed live for thousands of Indians gathered there and watching the magnificent Tiger Dance by the Tulu folks.
A Mela is not complete unless one finds the kids roaring with laughter and enjoying themselves, as they were in the huge play-area where attractive slides and swings were there for them. It was simply amazing... from morning till night, to see men and women from our own Indian community (and not restaurants with big brand names) frying Bhajias and making lemonades and tea and loads of other delicacies tirelessly, which went on and on being served, while some other enterprising women were selling pickles and accessories. The visitors, meanwhile, went on excitedly purchasing or picking up gifts and goodies either for just being lucky (there were raffle draws every hour) or for answering simple spot questions... And, oh!!! one was irresistibly drawn towards the Flash dance, which would start in a flash and make everyone want to swirl with the trendy beats...
The care, creativity and enthusiasm with which the mothers and fathers were getting their tiny and growing tots ready for the Fancy Dress competition or for the various other dance and music programs, left one awestruck. The dedication of the participants; the efforts of their parents were remarkable. Everybody was in an-action mode. From a year-and-a-half old baby participant at the Fancy Dress competition, to the seniors who were running a Gift Stall, selling artefacts—the zest was infectious. Most noteworthy though, was the incessant running about by the organisers of the Mela, so as to ensure that all those gathered could have a good time, and not a single dull moment. The IIK Team, and its newest satellite, the IWIK (Indian Women in Kuwait) Team organised it all so well, that it shall surely set a trend in Kuwait—of celebrating Diwali in an Indian Mela style.
All this revelry at one place, and from morning till night, where a glimpse of the whole of India could be seen, was unforgettable and etched on my memory forever. After all, having stayed for decades in Mumbai, I had never celebrated Diwali this way, ever before. It is usually always with a few near and dear ones, and the customary lighting of lamps outside one’s home. This year, however, I celebrated Diwali with India, and thus the hearts were lit...