A Symphony of Colors, Tradition, and Anticipation
As the calendar ticks down, the anticipation builds—Diwali is just around the corner, a mere four days away. The vibrant spectacle unfolds outside the Sitladevi Temple in Mahim, where Kandeel sellers set up shop, showcasing a kaleidoscope of homemade traditional delights. These Maharashtrian Kandeels, adorned with lively colours, sway in the gentle November breeze, defying the oppressive heat that clings to Mumbai.
It’s a visual feast that not only lifts the spirits but provides a welcome distraction from the city’s polluted air. The countdown to Diwali has officially begun, and the air is charged with festivity and joy. The hustle and bustle of shopping, the aroma of traditional sweets wafting from home kitchens, and the transformation of houses with fresh coats of paint—all signify the excitement in the air.
This period, starting from Dussehra and culminating in New Year with Diwali and Christmas in between, is a favourite. It’s a time of vibrant celebrations, akin to an Olympic sprint champion poised at the starting line, waiting for the starter’s gun.
For years, a personal tradition has been to purchase a Kandeel for Diwali, eschewing the allure of cheap plastic Chinese lanterns or the pentangular cardboard Star. It has to be a Kandeel—a colourful one with a long tissue tail that proudly announces the arrival of Diwali to my home when ablaze in the night.
The impending Friday holds a special significance; it is Dhanteras, the day dedicated to Lakshmi, the Goddess of Wealth. It marks an auspicious moment to not only acquire gold but also to choose the perfect Kandeel. Sunday, following the sacred Friday, heralds the grand culmination of these preparations—Diwali itself.
This is a previously written article being featured on our website.
About Mark Manuel
The above thoughts/content has been proudly copied from the wall of Sir Mark Manuel. Being interviewing almost every role model of this country and going stronger each day. Mark Manuel is a respected Mumbai editor, writer, and columnist.
With over three decades of journalism in leading publications. This includes the Free Press Journal, Times, Dainik Bhaskar, Mid-Day, and Afternoon. He is famous for his brilliant pen interviews. He himself is a TEDx speaker.
Further
His interviews have featured in several leading media houses. They include the Hindustan Times, Huffington Post, BBC, and Network 18. Almost every famous person has been interviewed by him in the country from Mother Teresa to Muhammad Ali. His first book is just out. It’s titled Moryaa Re! It is a crime thriller that is perhaps the country’s first police procedural. He began his career covering crime. And in a tribute to his experience and knowledge of this beat.
Several distinguished officers of the Mumbai Police and its Crime Branch collaborated with him to make this book possible. Amitabh Bachchan wrote the forward in a statement of friendship for Mark Manuel and admiration for his work.
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