Diwali is the only festival which is celebrated in my house. It is the only day in the year that we do a puja at home. Our kids wear kurta pajama, decorate the home and perform the puja. We bring khel-pataka, white little animal shaped figures made of sugar which are symbolic of prosperity and puffed rice is used for the puja. It is a typical UP tradition.

I put diyas in every room. We bring mitti ke diya, sarso ka saag and my children love making whicks of cotton. One night prior to Diwali, we soak the diyas in water. My mother stays with us. She is representative of all that is traditional. The presence of elders during the Diwali is essential. Parmeet's parents, though Sikhs, celebrate Diwali, like most Sikhs. My Muslim driver, Azim, takes great pride in supervising the arrangements. Another driver of mine, a Christian, is in charge of the cracker division.

I don't enjoy wasting money on crackers, so my kids convince Parmeet's parents to take them out for Diwali shopping.