Holiday notes

It's that time of the year when heartful wishes and thoughtful gifts are exchanged. Holiday vibes is evident in every corner; at the workplace, in the shopping arenas, around the travel hubs, at the food joints, the schools, the places of worship and many more. Family re-unions happen everywhere to celebrate Christmas festivities and the upcoming New Year; Houses are decorated with creative fixtures and innovative light-work. Theme parks and other public gathering areas are spruced up with Christmas trees, colorful lights, festive activities, musical bands and parades. Cinema halls feature several kid-friendly movies that are themed on the festivities. Cities, towns and villages sport an energetic and a lively atmosphere. With that, 'Urbancell' wishes its readers, a Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with joy, energy, happy anticipations and fulfillment of many dreams. Please look forward to more exciting posts in this space in 2008. Till then, cheers and happy holidays !!

Countdown to sparks and sparklers ...

Fast approaching is a day that is bound to be filled with bundles of joy, lights galore, colorful sights, sounds of firecrackers, aroma of sweets and savories, lot of exuberance and excitement in the air and new bonds and friendships. This day is celebrated as Diwali aka. Deepavali (Also called the Festival of Lights) around the world every year by Hindus with great splendor and enthusiasm. This glittering festival that symbolizes the victory of good over evil falls on November 9th this year. Adults and children alike rejoice Diwali and greatly look forward to the festivities.

The preparation for Diwali starts many days ahead; The elders in the family work on their traditional recipes to dish out some delicious specialities and invites are sent out to family and friends to participate in the celebration. Shopping for the festival of lights is always a great experience as cheerful crowd throng the firework and sweet stalls. It is a carnival atmosphere on the streets as people look to buy new clothes to wear on the festival day. The consumer mood is upbeat and great seasonal deals are announced on house-hold appliances and consumer electronics. Temples around the area are spruced up to join the celebration of the devotees.

In most cases, the day of festival dawns very early in the morning as enthusiastic kids get ready to taste festive goodies and light their fire-crackers. Some communities start the celebrations at twilight. The whole town is lit with decorated earthen oil lamps and is definitely a sight to behold. Prayers are performed with various offerings to God. This festival provides a great opportunity for kids to showcase their creativity and mingle with other kids in a fun setting. Gifts are exchanged between family, friends and neighbors as new friendships are formed. People are more tolerant and polite on this day and are willing to help more than a bit to ones that cannot afford the celebrations. There is a sense of well-being, increased energy levels and a bit of adventure and thrill in the nerves. It is a very special day for the Hindus and rightly provides positive vibes and goodwill.