The warm, golden light of diyas replaced, if only for a brief while, the harsh antiseptic tubelights that we have become all too familiar with. You could hear greetings in several languages and dialects, unfathomable, yet mellifluous. Corridors where mornings witness people rushing to class, saw people walking gingerly, to sidestep a beautiful Rangoli. The rate at which people hugged each other was reminiscent of summers or finals.
There was a feeling of peace in the air. After diyas were lit, and the campus gained a new beauty, Diwali puja was held in the mess. People who are usually seen utilizing swear-words as punctuation were seen reciting perfect bhajans. It was followed by a delectable dinner, and a night of crackers. People with redoubtable work-ex became kids again as they spent the night in a dazzling array of light and sound.
The occasion reminded people of home; some had bittersweet looks in their eyes as they remembered Diwalis past, the celebration, the siblings, the camaraderie. An experience that will be cherished by all who were a part of it, Diwali brought an unprecedented feeling of togetherness, despite the diversity of backgrounds. There was a person from almost every part of the country; almost every language of Schedule VIII was spoken. You realized the national character of our institute, the way it’s a reflection of India’s own culture. A melting pot within, and representative of, one much larger.
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All these photos were taken on Diwali night. Captions, if any, precede photos.
My room; tolerably clean at this juncture, and ably camouflaged by dim (But lovely) light:
A neighboring hostel:
The balcony of my room. Note the reflections on the horizontal rails.
A solitary diya in my room, showering warmth that wasn't felt by the skin, but vividly by the mind:
Diwali puja was held in the mess. A drastic change from late-night parties that the place is a more usual witness to. Delectable prasads replaced alcohol, and the satisfaction from them was longer lasting.
A rangoli. Didn't use flash on purpose, wanted more character in the pic.
Light is the most amazing thing in the world.
