Diwali is just around the corner, and while the festive spirit fills the air, so does the arrival of relatives and in-laws. The thought of having your loved ones around might bring a warm glow to your heart, but you can’t deny the inevitable chaos of hosting a houseful of guests.
And I think, in my case, every Diwali is full of such memories and anecdotes with my family and friends. It feels like “I’m the chosen one” for all the Diwali chaos there is in the universe. And believe me, most of the time – it’s because of my relatives.
Therefore, every year I come up with a brilliant plan to survive the relative’s journey to our home. However, it is different that it all goes in vain at the end of the day. But I think I must share those tactics with you all, maybe, just maybe, it’ll work for you if you’re in the same place as me.
I remember last to last year my parents hosted Diwali for the extended family. My mother, a perfectionist to the core, had spent weeks planning and decorating the house. However, the universe had other plans.
As the guests arrived, the doorbell rang constantly, I don’t remember exactly if the doorbell had gone mad or otherwise. And then, my aunt (can’t tell her name, surely she’s reading this), known for her clumsiness, tripped over a stray diya, sending a cascade of oil and glitter across the newly polished floor.
This doesn’t stop here, my cousin, a mischievous six-year-old, decided to experiment with the diyas, turning the living room into a smoky haze. So, It was quite a Diwali celebration that year.
On another Diwali, my brother, tasked with lighting the diyas, got a little overzealous, creating a miniature fireworks display in the living room.
One year, my family decided to deep clean the house before Diwali, vowing to leave no stone unturned. We moved furniture, pulled out appliances, and even tackled the dreaded attic.
However, the ambitious cleaning spree resulted in a layer of dust settling everywhere, making the house look dirtier than before. I was happy that my parent yelled at me and my brother that day for no reason 🙂
And then one Diwali, my cousin got so excited during the puja that he accidentally knocked over a bowl of holy water. It splashed all over my grandmother’s antique rug, and we watched in horror as she yelled, “The spirits are not going to be happy about this!”
So, how do you survive the relatives and in-laws visiting your home during Diwali?
They will eventually pack their bags, return to their homes, and leave you to your peaceful existence. Until then, take solace in the fact that you are not alone. Every family goes through this Diwali ritual, and we all come out stronger (or at least more resilient) on the other side.
Create a quiet corner in your home where you can escape the festivities for a few minutes of peace and solitude.
When you have no idea what your great-uncle is talking about, just nod and smile knowingly. Who knows, he might be discussing ancient Sanskrit poetry or just giving you directions to the nearest grocery store. Nodding works either way.
Create a notebook filled with random trivia and facts. Whenever a conversation takes an awkward turn, casually interject with a bizarre fact like, “Did you know honey never spoils?”
For those moments when the conversations get too loud or the opinions too strong, having a noise-cancelling headset handy can be a lifesaver.
[Please note none of these has worked for me, they always overpowered my ideas]
To be honest, despite the chaos and mishaps, Diwali is a time for celebration and togetherness. So, when your relatives and in-laws descend upon your home this Diwali, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the ride. After all, it’s the memories we create that make Diwali truly special.
[I have to say this at the end, you might know why]
So, take a deep breath, put on a smile, and enjoy all the quirks and chaos. After all, it’s a Happy Diwali!
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Excellent!! This made me smile more than once!! LOL I remember The Diwali as "The Festival of Lights" (Triumph of light over darkness) I looked that last part up. And being a simple man, I had to look up Diya (lamp) and Puja (dog) so this was educational for me as well!! Thanks, Ritish
Thank you Dennis, I'm delighted to hear that the post brought a smile to your face. Diwali is indeed a celebration rich in cultural significance.
Wishing you a joyous and enlightened Diwali celebration with your loved ones! 🪔✨
Happy Diwali, Ritish! <3 I am sure you are the perfect host! I like what you said about nodding and smiling! :) I wish all the candles and diyas and colored lights for the holidays remind us to seek peace.
This post sounds like the wonderful Thanksgiving madness at my house in the old days! :) My two daughters will be here for the week of Thanksgiving, but they are adults now. We are planning a few day trips to the beach, a wilderness boat ride, and a visit to the zoo.
Happy Diwali, Cheryl 🪔✨ Your warm wishes mean a lot, and I'm touched by your kind words. Nodding and smiling indeed, sometimes that's the secret sauce for any festive gathering, isn't it? 😄
Enjoy every moment, and may the warmth of the holidays bring you peace and joy.
Your post brought a smile to my face also. I had no understanding of what diwali means but the thanksgiving gathering of families resonates. Thank you and happy gathering of all families. TIME is short to enjoy each other.
Thanks Faye! Diwali is a beautiful festival that celebrates light, new beginnings, and the triumph of good over evil.
While Diwali has its own charm, the joy of family gatherings and making the most of our time together is something we all can relate to. Wishing you a heartwarming and joyful festive season with your loved ones! 🌟😊
Love all the Diwali chaos stories, Ritish. Thanks for the great survival tips!
Haha gald you enjoyed. Happy Diwali 🪔🎇
Happy Diwali
Happy Diwali 🪔
😊🎉💐
Wow you actually took the torch and carried on.. can't wait to hear how it went. Happy Diwali Ritish. Oh this is priceless and I'd like to be a fly on the wall there with all of the decorations. I'm certain there should be no deep cleaning until after Diwali. Maybe give that a whirl next time. In the meantime I have 22 coming for Thanksgiving. I might just lock myself in my bedroom.. lol😹💗
Oh, you bet! The torch is now a full-fledged bonfire 😂 Happy Diwali to you too!
Your Thanksgiving plan sounds like a solid strategy—locking myself in my bedroom is now on the list of survival techniques. 😂Enjoy the festivities. Sending lots of love and hugs 💗💫
Thanks my friend and laughing again. Hugs and love to you too. 💗
You're very welcome! 😄 Hugs and love right back at you! 💗
Great tips, Ritish! Happy Diwali! Enjoy your relatives in all the chaotic experiences they bring! There is nothing better than a good story to pass on to the young ones! ☀️
Thank you so much, Lisa! Happy Diwali to you too! You're absolutely right—amidst the chaos, there's always room for creating lasting memories and sharing good stories.
Wishing you a joyous celebration! 🎇🌟
I love it. The fun and chaos of family get togethers are relatable and universal, like just being human in general. Have a great time! :)
Absolutely, the chaos and joy of family gatherings are like a universal language. Wishing you a fantastic time filled with laughter and precious moments! 😊🎉
Thank you, Stacey!
:)
That was hilarious. Could apply to any family get-together and indeed you do need a way to retreat to recharge your sanity at times. :) Shabash!
Strategic retreat is the secret behind maintaining sanity 😄 Diwali or any family gathering, it's all about survival tactics, right?
Tip 1 and Tip 3 are the things that keep me calm during Diwali. Loved your Diwali incidents! And I think yes, you are "the chosen one" for all this chaos, even I feel like tat at times. But you definitely made me laugh in the doorbell incident and grandma yelling! Even I get scolded without any reason during any family get together when it's all a chaos. Unforgettable truths of Diwali ! 😅
Yep, that's the best we can do. It's always comforting to know I'm not alone in being "the chosen one" for chaos. 😅
Diwali does have a way of bringing unforgettable moments, doesn't it?
Yess!
Nice post, thanks for sharing
Thankyou! Gald you enjoyed.