Pune writers say Diwali joy is best shared: books, family time and help for the needy

At the mention of Diwali, people recall the glow of lamps, rangoli, the aroma of festive food and meetings with relatives. For Pune's writers, the festival goes beyond this. It also carries literature, culture and an understanding of society. Through reading Diwali special issues, sharing the "feast" of literature, spending time with family, helping the needy and finding new ways to celebrate in changing times, they have explained what Diwali means to them. They say the real joy of Diwali lies not in keeping it to oneself but in carrying it to others.

According to writer Chandralekha Belsare, Diwali is for writers not just a festival of lamps but a celebration of literature. Work on Diwali special issues begins in June, and it is a rush to finish them by Dussehra and get them to readers. Along with festive food, she gifts relatives and friends a Diwali issue as a literary treat, a tradition she has kept up. Filled with stories, poems and writing on social, political and educational subjects, these issues are a special occasion for readers. She also tries to bring happiness to the faces of village farm labourers, needy families and their children by giving them clothes, festive food and groceries. She says spending on the needy instead of firecrackers brings greater satisfaction.

According to Milind Joshi, the growing use of communication tools and social media has reduced face-to-face meetings. He says the tradition of visiting one another's homes, talking and sharing joy during the festival needs to be revived. One year he travels out of town for Diwali, and the next he stays home and celebrates with his family. He prefers cooking at home, decorating and joining in the preparations to travelling. In Pune, new ideas for cultural programmes such as "Diwali Morning", "Diwali Afternoon" and "Diwali Evening" are taking root. His message is that while embracing these changes, people should preserve the warmth of old traditions and of meeting face to face.

Writer Shefali Vaidya looks at Diwali through the lens of humanity and sensitivity. Loneliness stings more at Diwali for those living away from family for work or studies. She faced this loneliness herself early in her career in Mumbai, so she understands the importance of including such people in the festival's joy. In her view, elderly people living alone, young people away from home for work and employees who work through the festival should be given time, warmth and a small gift. Moments spent together matter more than expensive gifts. Listening to the memories of the elderly, giving children traditional games and books, gifting items made by local artisans, and giving household staff a bonus and a holiday can also add to the joy of Diwali.

The writers' views bring out several meanings of Diwali. For some it is an occasion for literature, for others a chance to build relationships, and for others a reason to light a lamp of happiness in the life of someone in need. One thing is common to all these views: keeping humanity, warmth and social responsibility alive while celebrating the festival.