In the tapestry of my memories, one vivid strand stands out—the celebration of Diwali in my childhood neighborhood. At the age of 14, Diwali wasn’t just a festival; it was a joyous convergence of different faiths, a celebration that echoed unity and camaraderie.
Our street, adorned with 30 homes, had a unique blend of diversity. Four of those houses belonged to non-Muslim families, including Ranjit Sharma, a neighbor whose residence was just a stone’s throw away. Diwali, for us, wasn’t confined to religious boundaries; it was an occasion to come together as a community.
I recall the anticipation in the air as we waited for the call from our non-Muslim neighbors to join them in the festivities. That evening, Ranjit Sharma invited my Muslim neighbor Touheed and me to his home. The terrace became our shared space, where Diwali rockets painted the night sky, and the aroma of laddoos and barfis filled the air.
As we exchanged heartfelt Diwali wishes, the boundaries of religion dissolved. It was a moment of sheer joy, a celebration that continued to grace our lives until the age of 18. The traditions we forged in those moments became the threads that wove the fabric of our shared memories.
However, life unfolded, and the trajectory of our celebrations shifted. As we, the children, ventured into higher studies, and Ranjit Sharma pursued college, the Diwali gatherings gradually became a relic of the past. The bonds forged in those joyous moments, though, remained etched in the recesses of our memories.
The journey from adolescence to adulthood brought unforeseen challenges. The state of Jammu and Kashmir, our home, underwent significant political transformations. From the age of 18 onwards, the region experienced a series of crises, culminating in its transition to a union territory. The echoes of Diwali joy now mingled with the complexities of our political reality.
Despite the uncertainties, the spirit of Diwali endures. Today, as the first day of Diwali unfolds, I find myself reflecting on those cherished childhood celebrations. The innocence of bursting crackers on Ranjit Sharma’s terrace, the laughter shared with friends—these moments remain untouched by the political upheavals.
As I navigate through the challenges of adulthood, the flickering lights of Diwali serve as a beacon of hope. The festival transcends the intricacies of our lives, reminding us that joy, unity, and shared traditions can withstand the test of time.
On this Diwali, amidst the union territory’s challenges, I wish the people enthusiasm, holding onto the memories that shaped my sense of community and belonging.
Anzer Ayoob is the Founder and Chief Editor to The Chenab Times