Page 19 - Masala Lite Issue 155 November 2023

ANCHANA EKPHAISANSUP, 35
Full-time Mother and Freelance
Web Designer OTHER WAYS THAT DIWALI CELEBRATIONS HAVE EVOLVED
(as told and observed by Thai-Indian community members)

THEN
In my childhood, I remember my THE RISE OF SMEs
grandparents coming home with 6-8
big bags of firecrackers of all kinds for With more women and men capitalising on their talents and offering them to the
my cousins and me, which we delighted community and wider public, it is commonplace now for community members on
in lighting up all night. The entire special occasions, such as Diwali, to offer their support and purchase from those
neighbourhood would come alive and they know rather than the dime-a-dozen other options available out there. Thus:
transform into a playground of festivity
during Diwali. Watching the night sky • The Diwali dinner one hosts might have a dessert or dish that has been provided
come alive with fireworks remains a by a fellow community member – they may be a close personal friend, or simply
heartwarming memory. My grandmother someone recommended by word of mouth.
would also make her special dessert,
gajar halwa or seviya every Diwali – this is • Some families offer Diwali gifts to friends and relatives, and these gifts might
perhaps why I love gajar halwa until now! now be ordered from a fellow community member.

NOW TIPPY TAP, YOU’LL GET IT IN A SNAP
With a growing consciousness of the
impact of firecrackers on our air quality Easy browsing, easier payment, thriving online exposure and accessibility, reliable
and beyond, we have transitioned to eco- payment services, and a plethora of reliable delivery services with customisable
friendly celebrations as a family. We opt options have spurred an inevitable rise in gifting within community members. It
for fewer crackers and, instead, engage was not too long ago that it was normal to not receive tokens of celebration for
in activities like crafting our own candles, a friend’s child’s first day of school, a ‘thinking of you’ gift unless it was from a
painting diyas, and creating vibrant partner, or even a ‘just because’ gift.
rangoli art using biodegradable elements
like rice, flowers, and pulses and grains, often as a part of school assignments. This The accessibility of gift giving coupled with the celebration of gift giving through
change not only instils creativity but also aligns with our commitment to a cleaner the ‘gram allows us to revel in the joyous moments and milestones in life, Diwali
environment. being one of them.

Moreover, thanks to the digital era, we can now watch animated Diwali tales together, DIET AND TIME
ensuring children understand the origins of the traditions that define this festival. Now with more specific dietary requirements, youngsters are turning away from
The mesmerising fireworks still hold a special place in our hearts, but today, it’s original mithai to gluten-free, lactose-free, anti-inflammatory options that satiate
our responsibility to ensure a clean, safe, aftermath. We make sure to clean up and the palette and the tummy.
separate toxic waste from chemical residue, contributing to a more sustainable
celebration. Certain traditions have remained constant throughout the years. These The relatively-younger crowd generally may not crave ‘original’ mithai, and when
include Diwali prayers, the tradition of decorating our homes with an assortment of expected to make or order sweet treats for Diwali, the younger might opt for more
candles and lights, and the delight of savouring the special Diwali feast and treats. As Western delights that are easier to make, and even easier to order – tippy tap!
we approach another season of festivities, let’s remember and cherish our rich past,
while also crafting memories that future generations will look back on with fondness.

ALL-ACCESS INTO BANGKOK’S CONTEMP OR ARY INDIAN LIFEST YLE