Happy Diwali

I wait eagerly for the festival of lights because it reminds me of my growth from childhood. My first memory of a diwali is way back in 1987 in Kashmir when the air i used to breathe was still fresh. The celebrations were subtle yet elegant. Hindus and Muslims enjoyed the peace and harmony perpetuated by this vibrant festival. Firecrackers burst with loud bangs and i was thrilled to see flares and hear the noise.."You must wish everyone by saying happy diwali whenever u see lights and hear the bangs" mom said. Little did i know that this very noise would become the part of my coming years in Kashmir. Everynight was a diwali, as loud bangs were heard and ppl screamed...............not with joy but with fear. The air smelt heavily of burnt rubber and gunpowder and harmony was amiss.........................i, innocent in that age, ran up to my mother and shrieked with delight "happy diwali" and all mom could do was cry silently.............tears of gold that have rolled down the cheeks of scores of kashmiris since then.........