Feasting at home

Old traditions

Laxmi is also a promising singer and has won many awards too. This Deepavali, although she is in the midst of a busy schedule, she is preparing to go to her native place near Sirsi and be with her family members. Since she hails from this area of rich cultural legacy, she will be observing the festival in the most traditional manner, which involves many community activities.

“Right from my childhood, I have been celebrating the festival with my family. It gives me an opportunity to savour home food and have fun with my siblings. The festivities start with Naraka Chaturdashi, where we take enne snana or oil bath.The entire house is cleaned on the day and new clothes are purchased for the family members. When I was a child, I used to be crazy about my new clothes and would eagerly wait to show it to my friends,” she beams.For Laxmi, the busy schedule begins with the second day, which is dedicated to Goddess Laxmi. “Along with my sister, I pay a quick visit to our neighbours’ houses to take part in the Laxmi Pooja. We have a get-together at my place with other people from my village,” she says.

“On the third day or Balipadyami, cattle is worshiped along with gods and goddesses for prosperity. This is followed by lighting of oil lamps inside and outside the house and bursting fire-crackers. In the afternoon, the villagers gather in the temple and pray for community well-being,” she adds.Laxmi also likes lighting sparkles during the fest. “I like to burn flower-pots, ground chakras and sparkles, which are less noisy and have reduced amount of risk,” she says. Her celebrations are not complete without tasting Holige and home-made ghee with other traditional sweets. Laxmi attaches exceptional significance to this festival of radiance as it brings her closer to the family.