Cash �iffs

Buttering up all the elders during pooja for Diwali money is a skill. Statements like "Dadajl, what receding hairline? I've never seen such luscious hair," and "Unclejl, where did you find that sherwani? Looking likejust like Shahrukh in K3G", will definitely get you across the $20 mark Dads are usually harder to convince, since they know you better and don't fall forpetty compliments I usually reserve my grand trick for my old man, "You knowwhat, Dad?This year I'm goingto put my Diwali money in the bank and notspend any of it." He falls for it every year. Another big challenge Is Bhai Dooj. Howto solve a problem like brothers? Theyare cheekyand always giveyou a measly $1 coin until Mum shouts at them and makes them pull out some more cash. Unfortunately, this year, all my targets can rest easy and my Diwali nest eggwill be empty.

f't!4rry Diwafi

AXMI R J N

I still reminisce about our firstDlwali with Scooby. It was a bigeffort to salvage ourfestivities. He was only six months old but was the canine embodimentof a hurricane! Our house has two floors, so we were lucky enough to be able to move all the important stuff like lights, lamps, pooja items and our temple, upstairs, in the no-Scooby zone. All our personal things wouldtake a backseatand Diwali prep would be prioritised Important possessions would undoubtedly get misplaced Opal cards, library cards, garage keys, all would need to be cancelled and re-ordered by the time the celebrations wereover However, as the yearsgo by, sweet Scoobsgets more and more used to a Diwali household and respects ourtraditions and rituals as much as we do.