How My Daughter Altered My View Of Festivals And Made Me Want To Celebrate Diwali

First, a confession – I dislike festivals. Immensely. Even as a child, I never understood the fuss, the frenzy of new clothes, all that food (okay maybe the food was fun) and the festivities. A large part had to do, I now know, with the hours of cheek-pulling I had to endure on account of the fairly generous proportions of my face. Yet, I’ve never really felt like I want to celebrate any holiday, especially the big ones – Holi, Eid, Diwali, Christmas. Until now.

My wife loves her Durga Puja and everything that goes with it. I love her, and so sometimes, I go along with her. This year, I did not. It was a Sunday and it was the ninth day. I assumed the worst – crowds, loud music, you get the picture. Despite what you must think of me at this point, I was capable of living with myself and my decision. Until then.

My daughter came back from the Pujo, dressed in her mini-sized salwar kameez and asked me why I hadn’t come along with her and her mother to see Durga Ma. She asked me, how come I didn’t want to meet her? She asked if we weren’t friends? She was confused as to why her father wouldn’t want to meet someone so cool that she has ten hands and a lion at her behest. Yet again, I confess, I didn’t have an answer. She was right, it was time I stepped up. For her sake.