FESTIVE CHEER

Celebrate Diwali as a family and gift your child happy memories to cherish forever

- Deepika Mohan

My fondest memory of Diwali is spending a beautiful day with my family at my grandparents’ home. Things have changed now. Today, Iam faced with time constraints and logistical issues when it comes to celebrating the Festival of Lights. It has become difficult to gather the entire family on Diwali. If you connect with my story, you'll understand what it means to your child to have happy memories of family celebrations.

"Diwali is a celebration of the victory of good over evil. Diwali is a great time to remind ourselves of these stories. As a community, it's important to celebrate as a larger group. In North India, people burn the effigies of Ravana. They come together to share the joy,” says Aparna Samuel Balasundaram, psychotherapist.

Strengthens family bonds

Festive family celebrations have several benefits, especially for children:

e Establish a family's identity through its unique traditions and rituals.

e Provide ample time for love, joy, laughter, humor, fun, excitement, reverence, and sharing.

e Show how celebrations are best shared with loved ones.

e Help renew family ties.

e Allow introducing new members to the family.

@ Give grandparents opportunities to share traditions, narrate stories, and explain the family’s unique cultural and religious beliefs and practices.

Boost child’s happiness