Summary
The author reflects on the change in Diwali celebrations due to health concerns and the pandemic, shifting from India to Singapore, and emphasizes the importance of family over the festival itself.
Abstract
The author shares an illustration created after Diwali last year, reminiscing about the annual travel to India for the festival which will not happen this year due to the pandemic. The author, who suffers from asthma, typically wears a mask in India due to air quality, a practice now necessary worldwide, including in Singapore where they will celebrate Diwali this year. The author expresses a sense of loss and longing for family during the festival, acknowledging that in these times, what is missed most is not the celebration but the togetherness of family. The author also extends gratitude to Suntonu Bhadra for providing a platform for their musings and artwork.
Opinions
- The author feels that celebrating Diwali in Singapore this year will be a significant change due to the inability to travel to India amidst the pandemic.
- There is a sense of nostalgia for past Diwali festivals spent in India with family.
- The author's health condition (asthma) has always necessitated precautions, such as wearing a mask in India, which has now become a universal norm due to the pandemic.
- The author places a greater emphasis on the presence of family during the festival rather than the festivities themselves, indicating that family is what is truly missed in the 'new world'.
- There is an appreciation expressed towards Suntonu Bhadra for offering a space to share personal reflections and showcase illustrations.
