Rahul woke up early, feeling refreshed and excited for the first day of Diwali. His mother, Amrita, was already up and about, preparing for the day's festivities.
"Good morning, beta! Today's a special day. Let's get you ready," Amrita said, handing Rahul a small bowl of Uthana paste.
"What's this, Mom?" Rahul asked, sniffing the paste.
"It's Uthana, a traditional paste made from turmeric, sandalwood, and other herbs. It's good for your skin and will help you glow on this special day," Amrita explained.
Rahul nodded and began applying the paste to his body and face, feeling a slight tingling sensation as it dried.
"Okay, Mom, I'm done. Now what?" Rahul asked, looking up at Amrita.
"Now, go take a bath and get dressed in your new clothes. We have a lot to do today!" Amrita replied, smiling.
As Rahul headed to the bathroom, Amrita went to wake up Aarushi, who was still fast asleep.
"Aarushi, sweetie, wake up! It's Diwali! Time to get up and get ready," Amrita coaxed, gently shaking Aarushi's shoulder.
Aarushi groggily opened her eyes, rubbing her face with her fist. "Mmm... Mommy... five more minutes..."
Amrita chuckled. "No, no, no! Today's a special day! We have to get ready and celebrate. Come on, let's get you dressed and ready!"
Aarushi yawned and stretched, finally sitting up and looking around. "Okay, Mommy... I'm up!"
With both kids ready, the family began their Diwali celebrations, filled with joy, laughter, and lots of love.
Amrita carefully dressed Aarushi in a beautiful orange and yellow lehenga, adorned with intricate embroidery and mirror work. The dress sparkled in the light, matching the brightness of Aarushi's eyes.
Aarushi looked up at her mother with wide eyes, her dark hair tied in two small ponytails, and her face glowing with excitement. "Mommy, I look like a princess!"
Amrita smiled, adjusting the dupatta on Aarushi's head. "You absolutely do, sweetie! You're the most beautiful princess in the world!"
As Amrita fastened the hooks on the back of the dress, Aarushi asked in her childish voice, "Mommy, why do we celebrate Dhanteras? Why is it special?"
Amrita took a deep breath, happy to explain the significance of Dhanteras to her curious daughter. "Well, Aarushi, Dhanteras is the first day of Diwali, and it's a day to honor wealth and prosperity. We buy new utensils and gold on this day to bring good fortune and luck into our lives."
Aarushi's eyes widened with excitement. "Wow! Like a treasure hunt!"
Amrita chuckled. "Kind of, beta! We're seeking treasure in the form of good fortune and prosperity. And we'll continue the celebrations for the next four days, ending with the main Diwali day!"
The family gathered around the dining table, their faces lighting up as Amrita brought out the delicious snacks.
"Wow, Mom! You've made all our favorites!" Rahul exclaimed.
Amrita smiled. "Of course, beta! It's Dhanteras, and we have to celebrate with something sweet and special."
Aarushi's eyes widened as she took in the spread. "Ooh! Chakli, chivda, karanji, shankarpadhe, barfi... everything looks so yummy!"
Mr. Khanna chuckled. "I think someone's excited about the snacks!"
Aarushi nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, Papa! I love these treats!"
As they dug in, the room filled with happy chatter and the sound of crunching and munching.
Rahul said, "Mmm... these chaklis are the best, Mom!"
Amrita smiled. "Glad you like them, beta!"
Aarushi asked, "Mommy, can I have more shankarpadhe, please?"
Amrita laughed. "Of course, sweetie! Help yourself!"
Mr. Khanna said, "You know, when I was a kid, we used to make all these snacks at home during Diwali. It was always such a fun time."
Amrita nodded. "Yes, it's a special tradition. And now we get to share it with our own kids."
At night, the Khanna family gathered in their prayer room. They decorated the room with diyas, flowers, and a beautiful idol of Lord Dhanvantari. Amrita prepared a special plate with offerings for the god of wealth and prosperity.
Rahul and Aarushi sat on the floor, watching their parents perform the prayer. Amrita lit the diyas and incense sticks, making the room warm and cozy.
Mr. Khanna started the prayer, saying ancient words and offering prayers to Lord Dhanvantari. Amrita joined in, her voice blending with her husband's.
Aarushi watched with wide eyes, her hands clasped together. Rahul sat beside her, looking at the idol.
As they prayed, Amrita and Mr. Khanna waved the special plate around the idol. The room smelled sweet and was filled with a soft glow.
Aarushi joined in, singing along with her parents. Rahul smiled, feeling happy to see his family praying together.
After the prayer, they sat together, feeling peaceful and happy. Amrita gave them sweet treats blessed by Lord Dhanvantari.
"Happy Dhanteras!" she said, her eyes shining with love.
"Happy Dhanteras!" the family repeated, their voices filled with joy.
