Honoring Appa this Diwali: A Tribute of Love, Light, and Memories

Diwali, a festival brimming with joy, celebration, and family warmth, has always been a magical time for me. This year, as I celebrate my third Diwali away from home, it’s also my first without my father, my Appa. I woke up this morning yearning for a call or a text from him saying, ” Happy Dipawali, Keerthi Kanna! But I know he’s in a better place and watching over me. As I write this post, I am flooded with memories that shine brightly in my heart, like the Agal Lamps we used to light together. This Diwali, I want to honour him by cherishing those memories and sharing the traditions that he made so meaningful.

Appa, this one is for you <3

Diwali is a 3 AM Tradition for Vishwanath’s

Diwali mornings with Appa were unlike any other. He would wake us up at 3 AM, eager to be the first on our street to burst crackers. His enthusiasm was infectious and childlike; I’d see him so happy when he held the firecrackers, eager to show us how he used to burst crackers back in the day! Sai (My brother) and I were still half-asleep but filled with the excitement of Diwali in the morning. I can still feel the adrenaline and hear the laughter as we go outside, watching the first sparks of the morning light mix with the bursts of colour in the air. That energy, that simple joy, was a gift that only he could give.

The Legendary 10,000 Wala, or as I always called ” Sada Buda.”

Every year, the centrepiece of our Diwali celebrations was the grand “10,000 wala” firecracker, a surprise Appa delighted to reveal. He was all about going big; he believed Diwali should be celebrated in full glory! The backyard would come alive with sparks and bursts of light, and we’d watch with wide eyes and laughter, shrieking in joy as the firecracker roared and filled the night sky with colours. Though I don’t light as many fireworks as I did back then, the memory of those vibrant moments with Appa still makes me smile.

Oil Baths and Pattimandram

Diwali wasn’t just about crackers. Early mornings meant traditional oil baths, a symbolic mind and body cleansing. Amma would gather us, laughing as we’d splash water on each other, enveloped in the comforting smell of coconut oil. These moments were grounding, filled with joy and a sense of renewal.

Afterwards, we’d finish our staple breakfast, Idly or Pongal and gather for Sun TV’s Pattimandram—a program my parents loved. Watching it became a family affair; they would share their thoughts on the debates, sparking lively discussions that connected us to our culture and values. This tradition was more than a television show; it was our way of bonding as a family, creating memories that linger.

My parents always taught us the importance of visiting elders and cousins, where we’d exchange sweets and blessings (But, mostly, I went there to burst crackers with my two favourite cousins- Vicky and Varun). Dressed in our finest, we’d go to Ramapuram. I remember my Aunt (Bhavani Perima) offering us sweets and fireworks and asking our elder cousin (Vicky) to look after us when we were out bursting crackers.

PS: Varun and I were the naughtiest. Today, as I think of those days, I feel so happy to have had my childhood filled with these memories.

Sai’s Upanayanam : Probably us debating Idly with and without chutney.

Diwali afternoons often included a short nap—a tradition that Appa championed, saying, A well-rested mind is a happy mind. Those naps recharged us for the evening festivities, filled with sparklers and the unmistakable smell of gunpowder lingering in the air. The day felt endless, filled with laughter and warmth. These are the moments I carry with me, the memories that make me feel connected to home even when I am far away.

Diwali Without Appa

This year, I woke up feeling an intense wave of nostalgia. I longed to be that 10-year-old girl again, celebrating Diwali with Appa by my side. Though I haven’t celebrated with fireworks in recent years, I’m reminded of the thrill and joy they once brought me, a happiness that Appa sparked in my heart.

Diwali feels different now without him. His absence is palpable, yet his spirit remains alive within me. His laughter, his love, and the traditions he instilled continue to guide me. This year, I’ll honour his memory by lighting a diya for him, sharing stories with friends, and keeping the essence of Diwali close.

Reflecting on the Diwalis’ past, I realize that even though Appa is no longer with us, his legacy lives on in our memories and traditions. I’m grateful for every joyful moment we shared, the lessons he taught me, and the love that transcends time and space. I celebrate his spirit this Diwali, keeping our traditions alive in his honour. May your Diwali be filled with love, laughter, and family, just as Appa would have wanted.

Every Diwali reminds me that love knows no boundaries, and memories can light up even the darkest days. Happy Diwali, Appa.

PS: Although these photos weren’t taken during Diwali, they represent the joy and love that my family and I share during festive times.