After the stupendous success of cultural committee event, let’s get into the mood of Diwali celebrations at home. Let us revive the dying tradition of arranging a Gharonda or Quila at home.
India is diverse and so are its festivals and rituals. While there are many different ways in which people celebrate Diwali, every Diwali in North India marks the practice of a peculiar ritual, known as Gharonda, which means home. In this custom the daughters of the house, not married yet, make a miniature house with mud, cardboard or clay and decorate it with colours, lights and diyas and worship it as the symbol of happiness, prosperity of the family. The women are the embodiment of Lakshmi, the Goddess and the money, prosperity and honour of the family. It is the presence of the women that spreads happiness in the house and so they should be the one worshipped as the biggest wealth of the family, the house and all the memories attached with it.
Anybody who has ever seen a fort and not been awestruck by its sheer size and imposing structure? Think about children who have extremely impressionable minds. When children see a fort, they are fascinated by its various nuances.
No wonder then that children in the Deccan Plateau region indulge in the pursuit of constructing Mud Forts during the Diwali season. At various residential areas and even at homes, one can come across these mud forts, replete with the scaled down citadels, bastions, ramparts and moats with tanks and soldiers guarding the precincts and every conceivable idea in place to safeguard the fort and upheld the reputation of this ‘kingdom’. Mud, Cement, Plastic paper, hay, black clay tiles, paints, discarded gunny bags, cardboard, and stones form the basic structure.These mud forts are on display right from Diwali to almost a month after that and have enthusiastic visitors appreciating the creation.
Grandparents, parents and children can all join hands together and arrange a beautiful Gharonda or Quila at our homes.
And how about taking a family picture or a short video of about 30 seconds arranging the beautiful Garonda /Quila and share it to 6300681522 by whatsapp (Click HERE to do so), lastest by 16th November. All the photos and videos sent will be compiled and circulated to all Biradari members and posted on the website.
So, let’s go building. Have a Happy and Safe Deepawali !
Initiative of
Women’s Empowerment Committee