Illustration by Tan Hui Xin.
What is Deepavali all about?
Deepavali is all about the happiness that this day brings to people and especially removing all forms of negativities from our lives. This is known because Deepavali symbolizes the spiritual “victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance”.
Devi’s Deepavali Experience
Deepavali is usually celebrated with family or loved ones during the third quarter of the year. Unfortunately, this does not apply to a girl named Devi. On 28 October 2008, everyone in the Rasa Sayang Orphanage were happily playing and enjoying the wonderful delicacies made by the nanny, Mother June, as it’s the day of Deepavali.
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| Here's a picture of ghee balls, known as "nei urundai" in Tamil, it is occasionally topped with cashew nuts on top to add the taste, which is served on Deepavali at the Rasa Sayang Orphanage. Photo by Haarish Nair. |
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| Nanny: Darlings, come have a sweet Burfi, sweet and crunchy at the same time. Photo by Haarish Nair. |
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| Here is a plate of murukku, one of the many delicacies served in the orphanage. Photo by Haarish Nair. |
Everyone seemed to be having a wonderful time except a lonely teenage girl named Devi. She did not feel the joy of this celebration as she sat in the side being dissatisfied with her life. She was filled with a negative mindset which made her avoid those around her.
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| Devi unsatisfied with her life's condition. Photo on fitnessonthegofranchise.com |
Devi’s friend, Preeti, came over and said “Devi, let’s go and play! Those fireworks aren’t gonna pop themselves!”
But Devi said, “Go play yourself, I’m not in the mood for it.”
Astonished with what she said, Preeti sat next to her and tried consoling Devi. “Devi, it’s Deepavali! You shouldn’t be sulking in the corner like this all day.”
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| Dewi neglecting everyone since young and Nanny been trying to console Devi. Photo on understood.org |
Devi sighed. “What’s the use of celebrating when we can’t have a perfectly normal life and family like everyone else?” Devi turned. “I guess you just won’t understand me, Preeti. Go play with the rest and leave me alone.” Devi was used to turning down everything she had, thinking that she deserved better.
Years flew by and Devi reached the age to be fully independent. She set out to change her fate, thinking that a successful future could do that for her. Mother June came up to her before she left the orphanage and said, “Devi, do you see those doors right there? These were the exact same doors that I opened to see you lying in a basket. You were brought up within these very walls. Please do not forget this place and family of yours.”
Without replying, Devi left with a smirk, glad that the day that she had long awaited for had arrived. She happily left the orphanage without looking back.
Since then, Devi had applied to several universities and was accepted to two. One of them was a prestigious university far away, while another was a reputable university that Preeti had been accepted to as well. Preeti invited Devi to go with her as they would have the best college life ever. Devi refused Preeti’s proposal and went forward with the other option. She was determined to stay away from her past.
As her university life began, Devi worked really hard to get her dream job. She studied diligently and worked part-time jobs to gain experience. After years of hard work and passion, Devi managed to secure a job at her dream company. She could finally afford the lavish lifestyle that she always wanted. Unfortunately, being wealthy and successful surrounded Devi with even more selfish and arrogant people who only cared about money and nothing else. This made her feel lonely and question her goals in life. Due to this, she fell into a mild depressive episode.
One day, Mother June visited Devi in her penthouse. She came to ask Devi for some funds as the orphanage was short of money to keep it running.
“Devi, we don’t have enough funds to keep the orphanage running anymore,” Mother June sniffed, and Devi was filled with spite for this woman who pretended to be weak to gain her pity. “You have always been dear to me, would you lend some money for your beloved childhood home?” continued Mother June.
Fuming, Devi said, “That place has never been my ‘beloved childhood home’, Mother June. I lived there as I had no other choice. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to.” And with that, she saw Mother June out of the door without giving a single cent.
On the eve of Deepavali, as Devi was driving home from work, her car broke down in the middle of the road. The hour was late, and there were no other cars passing by. Frustrated, Devi pulled out her phone and scrolled through her contact list. Her stomach sank as she realised she couldn’t call anyone for help. None of them were her true friends.
So she started walking in search of a mechanic’s workshop. It was then that she came upon an Indian rubber estate full of poor people. “Ew, look at how these people dress! This place is downright filthy!” Devi wrinkled her nose in disgust.
Then one of the residents who lived in that estate said to her, “Welcome to this heart-warming abode!” His name was Mr Velu. They took her in with open arms and served her the delicacies they had specially prepared for Deepavali. The taste of those delicacies reminded her of the tasty treats she had when she lived at the orphanage. And Devi thought, Even the delicacies found in gourmet eateries can’t compare to these!
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| Nanny preparing delicious delicacies for the children. Photo on stocksy.com |
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| Children in the orphanage enjoying delicacies made by nanny. Photo on natgeokids.com |
After mingling with the family for some time, Devi realised how happy they were despite being poor. Curious, she asked one of the kids, “This place is quite dirty and your toys are old—are you really happy to be living here?”
The child’s answer shocked Devi. “All I need is my family and friends. They are my happiness.” It dawned on Devi that it was not money that could bring her happiness, but family—something she didn’t have.
As Devi was struggling to get her car fixed, a bus stopped by. It was none other than Mother June and the orphanage children. Mother June hopped off the bus and asked, “Devi, what are you doing here all by yourself ? Come with us, we can give you a ride home.”
Devi was shocked at the way she was treated. “You...you’re willing to take me in despite everything I have done to you?”
Without missing a beat, Mother June replied, “Oh Devi, you’re a part of this huge family and you always will be. Yes, I’m a human being as well and I was disappointed and broken-hearted by your actions. But I knew that in time you would realise that there’s light at the end of the tunnel.”
With tears in her eyes, Devi hugged Mother June. “Mother June, I’m so sorry! I’ve mistreated the only family that I had. You were the ones who were always there for me, through thick and thin, and look at what I’ve done in return! This isn’t right, I should definitely make up for my huge mistake,” said Devi in tears.
“What do you have in mind?” asked Mother June.
“You’ll see,” said Devi.
The next day was Deepavali. Devi’s old friends from the orphanage—Preeti, Ameera, Mei Ling and Amritha—came over to the orphanage.
“What brings all of you here?” asked Mother June.
“It’s part of Devi’s plan,” said Preeti.
Devi lugged a huge bag of gifts for everyone and announced, “I know an apology will never be enough, and I could never bring back the time we have lost. I’ve been foolish to mistreat everyone despite knowing that we’re all in this together. Can you all forgive me? I promise I’ll be a better person.”
They gathered around Devi for a group hug. “Of course!,” everyone chimed in. That day, they celebrated Deepavali with joy and thrill. This time, Devi joined in on the fun as well. As she watched the smiles on their faces, Devi thought, This is my family. I have finally found the peace I was looking for. It was here all along.
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| Devi celebrating Deepavali with her friends at the orphanage. Photo on nation-love.com |
This is what Deepavali is all about—to take a positive outlook on whatever that comes our way. Deepavali is never complete without loved ones, and Devi learnt it the hard way. We should all cherish the moments we have with our loved ones till the end of our lives. As most would say, “We only live once”. Have a great Deepavali!
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