Diya and Diwali

Indu Raina
Diwali or Deepawali is a well known Hindu festival of lights. The light emitted by the diyas (earthen lamps) illuminate every corner of the house. Moreover, a diya symbolizes knowledge. It was on one of such festivals, roughly a decade ago when, in India, everybody was in festive mood and so was Shalini and her humble family. They were too excited to make the diyas with the hope of selling them on this occasion and thereby earning a good amount to suffice for the whole year; there being literally no other source of income for the family.
All the members, Shalini, her husband, mother-in-law and 6 siblings would be seen quite busy doing one or the other errand. Even the 5 year old son, the youngest member of the family lent a helping hand to achieve the target. At the end of the hectic day when they would retire to their cottage, the family members would sit together and make future plans. Meera and Ranu, Shalini’s eldest daughters would fancy buying stylish dresses. So was Ramu excited to get a new pair of shoes. Meanwhile, Shalini and her husband had many unfinished projects like, marrying their daughters, repairing the roof of the house, through which water would trickle down whenever it rained. Besides, Shalini’s health also required urgent medical attention. All these eggs were kept in one basket in a way and that was Diwali Bumper Sale of diyas. They kept fingers crossed and waited anxiously for the auspicious day. They prayed to Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) to make their dreams come true and fulfill their Wishes.
Generally, the sale of diyas would start a few days before Diwali, but as the days passed, very few people bought these diyas from Shalini’s shop. Instead, there was a bee line of customers towards the very glamorous shop adjacent to this one. On the festive day when everybody seemed to be celebrating the occasion, this poor family was in utter gloom. Shalini, looked at her husband with broken pieces of her dreams scattered all around. With a deep sigh she said, “Now there lies no hope of improving our fate”. It seems nobody likes our diyas though they are so cheap. People have lot of wealth and they don’t bother about the price.” The youngest son supported his mother’s views and said, “Yes mother, now we won’t even have Diwali sweets, this time also.
As a coincidence, as it may be called, I happened to visit the shop, the same moment and overheard the depressing conversation. I could not resist myself and after buying some diyas spontaneously intervened and said, “Earthen lamps look cute and cool besides being inexpensive. Don’t lose heart. Trust God and your own efforts. Both will never let you down.” Your success is hidden in your determination. A day may come when your shop will be dazzling with lights. You will have to engage staff to help you in dealing with the customers. Give a new look to your shop and present your items in a more attractive manner. You will see how glamour and brightness of the lamps will make your future bright.” Unknowingly I conveyed these positive thoughts to Shalini.
Till date, I don’t know what made me to tell her all this but one thing I am sure about is that when I looked at her, I found a peculiar type of gleam in her tearful eyes. Probably, a new ray of hope had kindled in her heart and she once again dreamt of the future in a brighter perspective. However, after a gap of couple of years, I happened to visit  my birthplace again to celebrate Diwali with my parents. While  walking on the busy street I recalled Shalini, her family and the small, unattractive shop rather the festival itself. But time had taken its toll and the market square had completely changed in its appearance. It was difficult to locate Shalini’s shop. However, I stepped into a big dazzling shop displaying a board with inscription “Shalini’s Fairy Diyas”. Following a long line I managed to push myself inside and was stunned to see a big portrait of Shalini fixed on the wall with a garland of fresh Marigold flowers around it. Recalling the last Diwali festival and my emotional first and last meeting with the lady, I decided to meet the owner of this big shop. I sent a slip through a boy and in no time, a young handsome man came out of the cabin. Turning the pages of my memory, I soon recognized Ramu standing before me with the humility and respect. He said, “You are a wonderful magician, Madam. Mother remembered you till her last day. And she had asked me to handover a packet whenever I happen to meet you. It will really give her peace if you accept the same.” Saying so, he turned towards the portrait, opened a drawer, took out a small packet wrapped in red silk cloth, and handed it over to me.
A small note, legibly written and a few beautiful earthen diyas were inside. The note read, “Madam, I don’t know your name but you are an angel for us. You instilled such hope in our family that kindled a fresh desire to succeed. We struggled and innovated new ideas to achieve our aim. First, we started decorating the small diyas with vibrant colors, broken pieces of glass and metal that we collected from people’s trash. Then, we packaged these bright and colorful diyas on “plates” made of Banana leaves decorated with sea shells (we found on the beach, nearby). And, to avoid relying on just one period of sale (near Diwali), we started making earthen idols of the Goddess and sold them throughout the year. Slowly, these tiny diyas started illuminating the dark corners of our lives. Your words might come true one day but I might not be able to witness, due to my ill health. The doctor says it is too late for any treatment. Nevertheless, I am content that my children will have a secure future. Thank you, again.” With tearful eyes, I looked at Ramu, took the packet and shaking his hands, I bade him goodbye.
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