For last almost a year now, since we moved to Singapore, Sunday mornings have become special. If I am in city and the weather is clear, 7 am Sundays, I can be found at the tennis court. We have a small but diverse group of individuals, all of whom show up on time and with the same commitment week after week. It is a good couple of hours of sweating which leaves all of us happy after the games. You might say it is boring, but it has almost become a habit now. It doesn't matter what time I hit the bed on Sat’ day nights, I am always up in the morning on time and look forward to catch up with friends for some serious tennis. Today was no different.

Yesterday I called up many family members and friends back home. Exchanged emails, e-greeting cards, smses all of them wishing each other all the happiness and good luck. In hindsight, I believe, Indian festivals are designed to kind of promote these community behaviors and allow people to get together more often. We never had a strong sports culture as a nation and with all the struggles of daily life – the festivals kind of provide that vital break, when you can relax, bring together families and recharge your batteries for few weeks.

Yesterday, I was kindly invited for a dinner, at a friend’s place – we have known each other for almost 7 years now, kind of becoming more of an extended family than a friend. We have spent lot of time together in US, India and now here. We have lot common in professional and personal life. He has a son of almost the same age as mine and it is nice to see them growing together, they get along very well too. Had a late evening dinner, then some fire works and then drove back home well past midnight.

Back in home, Aryan – my son, enjoyed his Diwali to the fullest. All the lights dazzling out of various types of crackers and sparkles cheered him up. As he is growing up, I am happy that he is getting to know about Indian culture and customs via these fun filled festivals. His mom told me he also did the evening puja and was very serious about it. All these with the grandparents make his India stay a very special one this time.