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Diwali reminds us to make room for new and positive things: Pragya Jaiswal
Pic: @jaiswalpragya
The excitement of family reunions, days of festive preparations and the joy of celebrating together are what make Diwali special for Pragya Jaiswal. While work commitments have changed the way she celebrates the festival today, she continues to hold on to the traditions that make it meaningful. In conversation with Hyderabad Times, the Daaku Maharaajactress looks back at her childhood memories, talks about her festive rituals and reflects on the life lessons she associates with Diwali.Pic: @jaiswalpragya
‘Diwali was all about cousins, family and long celebrations’Growing up in a joint family in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, actress Pragya Jaiswal recalls how Diwali brought the entire family together for days of festivities. “As children, we celebrated with all my cousins, my chacha-chachiand their children. No matter where anybody was, whether travelling or occupied with work, we all made sure everyone came home for Diwali,” she says, adding, “Celebrations would last five to 10 days, covering Dhanteras, Choti Diwali, Badi Diwali, Govardhanpujaand Bhai Dooj. We would begin making rangolis and lighting diyas at least 10 days in advance, sometimes even earlier.”‘As a child, I was a jack of all trades during this festival’With the entire family under one roof, there was plenty of activity around the house, she recalls. “Diwali is celebrated with so much enthusiasm across India, and our home was no different. Everything had to be 10/10,” she says. “I was a jack of all trades as a child! In our house, whenever a child was spotted, he or she would be given a task. I was involved in everything, from making rangolis to lighting diyas. The children were probably the busiest during this time,” she adds.…with her parents, Surekha Jaiswal and Suresh Jaiswal
‘Diwali traditions offer lessons in personal growth’Talking about the significance of Diwali beyond the celebrations, Pragya says the festival also offers lessons in personal growth and new beginnings. “Before Diwali, we start cleaning our homes almost a month in advance. In a very simple and practical way, it is about getting rid of everything you don’t need and making space for the new.” She sees this annual ritual as a reminder to let go of things that no longer add value to one’s life. “You are making space for abundance, joy and prosperity, letting go of everything that has become redundant. Diwali cleaning is a practical way of letting go of what no longer serves you and creating space for new and positive things in life,” she adds.
Diwali is my favourite time of the year. I make it a point to be home for the Diwali puja, as celebrating the main day with family is very important to us. Of course, as you grow older and start working, it isn’t always possible, but I try my best to keep our traditions alive and make time for the rituals
Pragya Jaiswal
‘I look forward to spending time with friends during Diwali’Her Diwali celebrations have also evolved over the years, with catching up with friends becoming another part of the festivities she looks forward to. “As you grow older, Diwali also becomes a time to meet friends and spend time with them. You play games, eat together and have so much fun. That is one of the most special parts of Diwali as you grow older,” she says. There is, however, one tradition she doesn’t compromise on: being home for Lakshmi puja. “Most of these parties happen before Diwali. On the main day, I make sure I am home for Lakshmi pujaand all the rituals. I step out only after my parents tell me everything is done. Ideally, I am not supposed to go out on Diwali, but since my parents are home, they give me that one liberty!” she adds.
When I think of Diwali, gujiya is the first thing that comes to mind. We would also make barfi and several other sweets at home, but I would always reach for the gujiya. I loved it so much that I would eat lots of it! I have a sweet tooth, which is one of the reasons I look forward to festivals so much
Pragya Jaiswal
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