When I was a kid, Diwali was at my Nani’s home. She made the best food, sometimes we lit firecrackers, and opened little envelopes filled with coins. We had our silver thali for aarti, and we’d sing Om Jai Jagdish Hare, spinning the plate in perfect circles, never letting it stop like we were keeping the light itself in motion… my sister told me it was bad luck to let it stop so even if my arms ached I kept that shit going lol! Back then, I didn’t really get the meaning of it all. I just loved being with my family…my cousins, my elders, everyone laughing, yelling, singing and shoving laddoos into each other’s faces. It was chaos, and it was perfect. Now married with 3 kids @alexsilverman__ and I are tasked (happily) to keep the tradition alive. The last two years, our house has been full for Diwali with family in town, friends whose families are far away, people we love. For me, yes, Diwali is about choosing light over darkness. (now that I’m Jag’s mom, I finally get it — Diwali is basically Star Wars.) But really, it’s about forgiveness, love, letting go of perfection, seeing light where it’s hard to see it, and helping others find theirs too. It’s not just welcoming blessings into our home — it’s hoping they spill over into everyone else’s. Our own little Festival of Lights…Just how Nani and my mama taught me. Wishing each and every one of you the brightest light and blessings, open your doors and let it all in!