KOCHI: Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is not just a celebration with lights and sweets, but is essentially a celebration of the inner light, the soul. Diwali is not usually celebrated with much vigour in God’s Own Country. However, in the commercial capital Kochi, people from different communities celebrate Diwali in a grand way and the natives have started joining the fun and frolic. In Mattanchery, a cosmopolitan multi-cultural spot which is home to migrants from different states, especially Gujarat, Diwali is no longer a low-key affair. Verandas of freshly painted homes will be illuminated by the light from thousands of diyas, the sight of which sends every heart palpitating with the feelings of peace and harmony. A sizeable population of north Indians, including around 1,000 Gujarati families residing in Mattanchery, celebrate Diwali with religious fervour and colour every year. Aartis will be lit to revive the victory of good over evil. Legend has it that people lit lamps, offered pooja, distributed sweets and burst crackers to celebrate the return of Lord Rama after his 14-year-exile in forests. There are different sides to the celebrations. For a businessman, it is a time of the year when bulk sales are made. For children, it mean holiday from school, shopping expeditions for clothes, sweets , gifts and crackers. Diwali is also a time for family reunions and get-togethers. The major ingredient of the celebrations is sweets. A range of special Diwali sweets are on display in the stalls - cashew sweets like ‘kaju kalinja,’’kaju katli’ and ‘kaju anaar’. Other specialities include dhal, ghee, Bombay peda, Kashmiri peda, sangam, green cream fruit, burfi, kesari and mango pedas. Taste them and turn your soul sweeter.
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