A Diwali to Remember

Celebrating the Festival of Lights in Eindhoven

Our three-day adventure in Eindhoven was already filled with exciting experiences, but what made it even more special was that we happened to be in the city during the Festival of Lights, Diwali. Dressed in our finest attire, we celebrated this cherished festival, lit sparklers, and captured beautiful moments with our family. Join me as I share the heartwarming story of our Diwali celebration in Eindhoven.

Eindhoven, a city known for its technological innovations and vibrant culture, was the perfect destination for my three-day adventure with my sister, her husband, and my adorable nephew. After running around from one place to another, this trip balanced spending quality time with family whilst relaxing and indulging in some good retail therapy.

Day 1: Cycling and Nature Adventures
Our journey began with a quest for adventure, and what better way to explore Eindhoven than on two wheels? We reached Eindhoven the previous evening and wanted to rest. My sister lent me her spare bicycle the next day, and we explored the city’s extensive network of cycle paths. Eindhoven’s flat terrain and well-marked routes made it a cyclist’s paradise. We pedalled through lush parks, picturesque canals, and modern architectural wonders. We spotted a park and stopped by to sit with nature whilst watching my nephew play soccer.

Later that night, my sister and brother-in-law prepared the best mushrooms I have ever tasted. After dinner, my sister brought me a hot cup of herbal tea (my sister is a huge fan of herbal teas), and I drifted off to the other universe. After a long day, all I craved was some good sleep.

Day 2: Retail Therapy at Albert Heijn and Beyond
Eindhoven has plenty to offer shopaholics, and Albert Heijn, a well-known Dutch supermarket chain, was just the beginning. We couldn’t resist stocking up on Dutch delicacies, from stroopwafels to Dutch cheese, which made perfect souvenirs to return home. Each corner of the city seemed to hide a treasure waiting to be discovered, and our shopping bags grew heavier as we wandered through Eindhoven’s charming streets.

Day 3: Chilling with Family – Diwali in Eindhoven.
On our final day, we decided to take it easy and embrace the Dutch concept of “gezelligheid” (cosiness; yes, I looked it up). We strolled leisurely along the Dommel River, enjoying the serene atmosphere. The day’s highlight was our visit to the Philips Stadion, the home of PSV Eindhoven, the city’s beloved football club. Although we couldn’t catch a match, just seeing the stadium from the outside was a thrill for sports enthusiasts like us.
We indulged in traditional Dutch potato dishes at a local restaurant to satisfy our taste buds. The creamy and comforting flavours of stamppot and patat made us feel like true locals. We even introduced my nephew to poffertjes, tiny Dutch pancakes topped with powdered sugar and butter, which he devoured with delight.

Diwali in Eindhoven

Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a significant and joyous celebration for millions worldwide. It symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. Despite being far from our homeland, we were determined to keep our traditions alive and celebrate this auspicious occasion with the same enthusiasm and devotion.
Dressed in vibrant traditional attire, we felt a sense of unity and connection as we embarked on our Diwali journey in Eindhoven.

As the sun set, we gathered on our balcony, holding a sparkler. My nephew’s eyes gleamed excitedly as he held his sparkler. The first flicker of light from the sparkler illuminated his face with wonder, and we couldn’t help but smile. Diwali is all about spreading happiness and light; in that moment, our hearts are filled with both.
We lit the sparklers individually, creating a dazzling display of light and colour in the evening sky. It was a sight to behold, with the sparkles mirroring the joy in our hearts, and, for a brief moment, it felt like Eindhoven was also embracing the spirit of Diwali.

Amidst the shimmering lights and joyful laughter, we took the opportunity to capture the magic of the moment with photographs. The colourful attire, the radiant smiles, and the sparkling sparklers all came together to create a series of cherished memories. These pictures will forever remind us of this unique Diwali celebration in Eindhoven, far from our homeland but close to our hearts.

Celebrating Diwali in Eindhoven was an experience we will always treasure. It served as a beautiful reminder that traditions and festivals have the power to transcend borders and bring people from diverse backgrounds together. As we lit those sparklers on that particular evening, we felt the warmth of our family bond and the shared joy of celebrating Diwali in a foreign land.

Our time in Eindhoven was filled with adventure, shopping, and culinary delights, but the Diwali celebration added more meaning to our trip. It was a reminder that no matter where we are, the light of tradition and family will always guide our way. As I looked forward to our next adventure in Mallorca, I carried the memories of a Diwali celebrated with love, joy, and a touch of Eindhoven’s magic.

Stay tuned for my next blog post as we embark on another unforgettable journey!

Link to my previous article: http://kirthikavishwanath.com/2023/10/03/geithoorn-venice-of-the-north-%f0%9f%87%b3%f0%9f%87%b1/