Deepavali Is Over!!!

sighs....Deepavali is over and along with it, all the festivities, murukus and angpows!! I'm happy to say that I really enjoyed myself this year, both on the eve and Deepavali day itself (not that I don't enjoy myself every year. This year was just different)The eve was of course the best as the whole family was present. This was the one day when everyone would meet yearly without fail. All the uncles, aunties and cousins from Penang, KL and those travelling will make sure that they are present on the eve and that's when I really have the 'big family' feeling.

Deepavali day itself is another story. Though not every single member of the family will be at my grandparents' house, most of them would be there. The highlight of the day would be wearing our new outfits, complete with matching bangles and bindis, new shoes (this is optional) and of course, celebrating the day itself!! Arriving at the house and greeting everyone, having a hearty brunch (of putu mayam, chicken curry, tosai...) and then just hanging out with my cousins made my day. Later that night, we returned to my granny's house and we cousins decided to break the law. We played with firecrackers and though I am no longer a kid, I felt like one!! :-) This was the first year (hopefully not the last) that we cousins actually met up on Deepavali night and played with firecrackers.

On the other hand, I am sad that this is the last year that the whole family is celebrating Deepavali in Penang. Everyone seems to be moving away from this beautiful island, either to KL or Perak; and only God knows where our Deepavali will be next year. Nevertheless, I am very very happy to say that Deepavali 2008 for Shakun was great!! I enjoyed myself, I bonded with my cousins and I'm proud to say that the Festival of Lights this year, did indeed brighten my life!!