One phone call changed my entire Diwali!

I never go home for Diwali. Weird, right? But that’s my thing. Wherever I am, that’s where I celebrate. I’ve been in Ayodhya for over two years now, and both Diwalis here have been unforgettable.

My first one in 2023? Pure magic! Ram Janmabhoomi, Ram Ki Paidi, thousands of diyas lighting up the night. Even without a VIP pass, it was the best Diwali ever.

But 2024? That was a whole different story.

This time, my entire family came to Ayodhya. We’re usually scattered everywhere. Dad’s always traveling for work, everyone’s in different cities. But this Diwali, everyone was coming to celebrate with me. I was pumped!

The plan was simple: finish work in the morning, meet the family at Guptar Ghat by evening, light diyas, burst crackers, enjoy. Easy, right?

Wrong.

Work ran late. Then came the first twist. No vehicles available. It was Diwali, half the drivers were on leave, the others were busy with company puja work. My friend Amit and I were stuck, desperately looking for a ride. Finally, someone dropped us till Devkali.

We were halfway to the ghat when my phone rang.

“PM-1 wire is damaged. Come back immediately.”

Wait, what?!

My family was already at the ghat. Diyas ready. Firecrackers ready. They were waiting for me. And here I was, being told to turn around and go back to the factory.

I called Dad. “Papa, I… I can’t make it. Emergency at work.”

Silence. Then, “No problem, beta. Work first. We’ll celebrate tomorrow.”

No anger. No disappointment. Just understanding. That hit different.

Then came the second twist. I had no way to get back to the factory. The same vehicle problem again. I called the company, and thankfully, they sent a Highrider to pick me up.

By the time I reached, it was already night. The team was waiting. We dove straight into the wire replacement — rolls, alignment, the whole deal. Hours passed. The factory floor became our Diwali celebration spot that night. Finally, at 2 AM, we finished. I dragged myself back to my room, exhausted but somehow satisfied.

Here’s the part you didn’t see coming. The next evening, we celebrated Diwali at Guptar Ghat. Family together. Diyas glowing. Dad smiling. “Better late than never,” he said.

And that’s when it clicked. Diwali isn’t about the date on the calendar. It’s not even about the diyas or the fireworks. It’s about showing up. For your work. For your family. For what matters.

My Diwali 2024 happened across two days. One night with my work family fixing wires at 1 AM, and one evening with my real family lighting diyas by the river. Both were Diwali. Both were perfect.

Sometimes the best celebrations are the ones that don’t go as planned.