Our Diwali Morning

Our story

Before the city wakes, Nani lights the first diya by the kitchen door. The besan goes in the heavy iron kadhai — never the new one. It is not for luck, she says. It is to start the year with warmth.

Our family version

Ghee diya at the threshold · besan ladoo made before sunrise · Nana’s old shloka, sung softly · the youngest child carries the first plate.

For the children

“We make a sweet before the sun, so the day begins kind.”