The run up to Diwali ~

Okay,  picture this.....

 A battalion of people armed with brooms, brushes and mops descending upon the house ; every nook and cranny of the house being spruced up and cleaned, floors scrubbed and waxed till they are squeaky clean, carpets and heavy rugs taken out, dusted, fluffed and hung out on railings festooning the terrace in order to be sunned, the windows and grilles washed, the walls white washed or painted, brass and silver ware polished to a shine, fresh flowers brightening the rooms and petals floating in uralis, lanterns and diyas prepared to be lit up on the final day, presents and gifts for family and friends bought and stacked in various corners and cupboards and the whole house a pot-pourri of aromas and essences.
In the kitchen, sweets and savouries bubbling over invitingly and cooks and family members busy preparing delicacies.... at the entrance and inside courtyards, every stone blooming with the colours and patterns of rangolis.
Yes, we are caught  right in the middle of the run up to Diwali. The countdown has begun and the air is infectious.

If you reside in India or happen to be visiting India this time of the year, you will surely feel the buzz. Why I say living in India, because then, it's not just your home but the entire neighbourhood that starts bustling with activities as the festive season approaches. My neighbourhood too, right now is going through an entire makeover. Even hedges are being pruned and the lawns are being mowed to perfection.
Every year I tell myself that I'm going to keep things very basic and simple for my own household this Diwali but this is only before I get caught in all the hullabaloo and find myself in the middle of some heavy duty arrangements . Well, this year, I AM going to stick to the basics for sure , at least that's the plan for now but this year I will indulge in some over- the -top mirror work decorations for sure. Mirror work on fabrics, that is. I have been collecting a lot of Kutchi patches with mirrors and embroidery and I'm going to be doing up my corners with them and use them as spreads and throws, wall hangings, cushion covers and whatever madness I can indulge in with them :D  Coupled with some fresh flowers and candles/ lanterns they will look quite nice. What say ?? Some of the patches and some flowery corners are already adorning my living room though we will have to wait for the lights and candles to come alive on the main day . Take a look and I'll see you after Diwali or maybe before that if I have something really nice to share ;)

Also, lets go easy on the crackers and do our bit to save the environment. We, as a family follow the 'no crackers' policy except for a few packets of sparklers and flower pots . Even that will fade away gradually as the kids grow up I'm sure. Diwali is a festival of lights and beauty. Let's not spoil it with noise and pollution. Keep your kids and your pets safe and have a good one :)