Celebrating Diwali with clean homes & hearts

LAST weekend, I made five calls to India to catch up with family and friends, but no matter who I spoke to — sisters, aunt, sister-in-law or a childhood friend — the response was eerily identical: “Sorry, can’t talk, I’m busy with Diwali cleaning!” It was almost as if Diwali cleaning had become a national emergency, and all women were the first responders. The only thing missing was a uniform and a siren.

Despite having house help, Diwali cleaning is no ordinary task. It’s a full-scale operation: dusting every nook and corner of the house like it’s been untouched for ages, airing and sunning the quilts like they have been in hibernation, scrubbing every kitchen container as if it’s about to be inspected by a forensic team, and organising the clutter of an entire year — all while juggling jobs, family and Diwali preparations. And where are the men? Sure, they ‘help’ — lifting a heavy object here or holding a ladder there. But let’s be real — it’s mostly the women running the show, armed with brooms and a mental checklist that never ends.

In my natal home, things were different. My mother, a trailblazer, ensured that my brothers did their share of Diwali cleaning. She didn’t believe in gendered tasks, and as a result, they learned that no one, regardless of gender, was exempt from household chores. This mindset carried over into my home after marriage. I recall my second Diwali in India, with a one-year-old and endless festival prep. My husband and I decided to tackle it together, splitting the tasks. There he was, helping the house help mop the floors, while I managed the Diwali list and our toddler. And then, like a scene out of a sitcom, my mother-in-law arrived — unannounced, of course, as was common back then. The look on her face when she saw my husband helping the house help mop the floor was priceless. Shock? Surprise? Amusement? It was a cocktail of emotions.

The macho culture many men grew up with persists, but Diwali cleaning isn’t just about scrubbing floors. It’s about resetting our homes for the festival, welcoming positivity and good fortune. But there’s another layer — mental cleaning. Diwali is an opportunity to declutter our minds, let go of the emotional baggage and reset for new beginnings, just as we refresh our homes.

So, this Diwali, maybe it’s time for change. As we worship Goddess Laxmi, let’s also honour the women in our lives by sharing their workload. And my mother can rest assured, for my husband has mastered household chores — he vacuums like a pro! And I hope my mother-in-law has come to terms with the idea that sharing workload is very important. After all, even Goddess Laxmi values partnership.

Let’s embrace the joy of partnership — because while a spotless house invites prosperity, a happy and harmonious one is where true blessings reside. Wishing everyone a Diwali filled with light, laughter and a touch of divine teamwork!