For those of us who grew up in the ‘90s, Diwali was a time of simple joys, family bonding, and humble traditions. There were no elaborate celebrations, Instagram-worthy outfits, or elaborate party setups. Instead, Diwali in the ‘90s had its own magic, a kind that we now look back on with a sense of nostalgia. Here’s a look at seven memories from Diwali in the ‘90s that will transport you back to a time when the festival was all about the small, meaningful moments.
For most of us, buying new clothes wasn’t a common occurrence, so Diwali shopping was a thrill of its own. Parents would take us to local markets, where we’d pick out that one outfit for the festival. After waiting patiently (or impatiently!) for Diwali to arrive, the feeling of finally getting to wear our new clothes on the big day was priceless. It didn’t matter if they weren’t designer or expensive—what mattered was the pride of wearing something new for the festival.
Diwali meant the house was filled with the delicious aroma of homemade sweets and snacks that our mothers and grandmothers would prepare with love. Sweets like coconut barfi, laddoos, and shakkarparas were made in large batches and stored in steel containers. While we helped (or tried to!) with simple tasks like shaping laddoos or spreading out sev, we were often more interested in sneaking tastes while no one was looking. These treats were shared with friends and neighbors, making them even more special.
For us ‘90s kids, getting pocket money for crackers was a big deal! We’d save up coins and notes to buy as many firecrackers as possible, even if that only meant a few sparklers, flowerpots, and the iconic "snake" fireworks. Heading to the market to buy these crackers was an adventure in itself. And when Diwali night came, each burst felt like a small victory, filling the air with excitement and a whole lot of laughter.
Before fancy LED lights and store-bought decorations, we relied on DIY decor. Making our own decorations felt like a big responsibility—and an even bigger accomplishment. Whether it was arranging clay diyas, painting paper lanterns, or attempting to create our first rangoli designs, we poured our creativity and hard work into our Diwali decor. Looking back, our creations may not have been perfect, but they were made with love, and that’s what made them special.
Diwali cleaning wasn’t just about tidying up; it was an entire event that required the participation of everyone in the family. We’d pull out furniture, dust every nook and cranny, and make the whole house sparkle. Parents explained that cleaning before Diwali was a way to welcome prosperity, and even though it was tiring, the whole family working together made it fun. And the sense of pride when the house was spotless and ready for Diwali? Unbeatable.
Back then, Diwali was as much about celebrating with neighbors as it was about celebrating with family. On Diwali night, kids from the neighborhood would gather to burst crackers together, comparing our firecracker collections and sharing what we had. Adults would exchange sweets, gather for a quick prayer, and chat about everything under the sun. It was a celebration of community and togetherness that made Diwali feel like one big, joyful family affair.
In the ‘90s, Diwali lights meant simple clay diyas lit with mustard oil, arranged carefully around the house. Watching those small flames flicker in the evening breeze was mesmerizing and almost magical. There was something serene about that soft glow, and it made Diwali feel incredibly special. Even if there were power cuts, the diyas would continue to glow, lighting up our homes and hearts in a way that no fairy light display could.
Diwali in the ‘90s was full of humble but meaningful traditions that brought families and communities closer. It wasn’t about grandeur or extravagance, but rather about love, laughter, and shared experiences. Today, when we celebrate Diwali, we might have new clothes, fancy decorations, and elaborate treats, but it’s the simplicity and warmth of those childhood Diwalis that remain etched in our hearts. Here’s to honoring those memories and cherishing the spirit of Diwali that we grew up with!
