A Distant Diwali in 2124

 

It's Diwali morning, October 31, 2124. The sky is a dull gray and the streets below are silent filled with smart homes glowing with holographic displays of celebration. A low hum of drones patrols the air ensuring compliance with the strict regulations laid by Government. 

As I step outside, I encounter a figure who seems out of place. He looks astonished, gazing at the surroundings with wide eyes. “You look lost", I said, noticing his bewilderment. 

“I am", he replies glancing around. “I can't believe this is Diwali. It is so... different.” 

“This is how we celebrate Diwali", I explained, gesturing to the quiet streets. “Families connect through virtual reality platforms to simulate personal gatherings". 

He furrows his brows. “So, you don’t meet in person? No festive meals together?” 

“No", I respond. “We send digital vouchers and virtual sweets. That mimics the taste of handmade sweets". 

He shakes his head, looking unconvinced. “That’s hard to live through. Back where I come from, we exchange homemade treats fill our homes with lights and celebrate together. Those moments mean everything". 

I can see the disappointment in his expression. 

“What about your decorations?” he asks, glancing at the holograms projecting festive lights. 

“Everything is eco friendly and monitored", I explain. “The government regulates our energy use. It’s all about sustainability but it comes with strict rules.” 

He gives me a curious look. "That sounds limiting. We had the freedom to celebrate however we wanted even if it got messy. It felt alive". 

“What about the prayers and rituals?” he asks, curious. “Do you perform them?” 

“Yes, but it’s different", I replied. “We light eco-deepams via holograms and share our prayers in digital platforms". 

He looks thoughtful, "Back in my place, we light deepams and gather in homes sharing our prayers, feeling the warmth of each other’s presence. It was a celebration of togetherness". 

As we continue our conversation, I feel a strange familiarity with him, yet I can’t quite place it. His way of celebrating feels richer but despite our differences, the spirit of Diwali, its joy and the light it brings remains an experience that connects us. 

As the sun begins to set and the holographic lights immitating deepams comes to life, he glances at his watch looking hurried. “I should be going. It’s important I don’t miss it", he said. 

“Wait!", I call out curious. “What’s your name?” 

“Just call me a traveler", he replies with a knowing smile before he turns to leave. 

“Traveling where?” I ask, feeling an unexplainable sense of longing. 

“To a place where celebrations mean more than just visuals", he says glancing back. “Where they come alive in ways you can’t imagine.” 

With that, he walks away disappearing into the dusk, leaving me standing in middle of my holographic decorations.