From The Editor: An Uncommon Joy

Watching the tiny glittering lamps sitting on beds of leaves and petals, float by on the ghats of the Ganga at Haridwar, is an experience. The rapidly flowing waters carry them far, far away until you can no longer see them. Perhaps they drift along still, but their lights go out in the breezy river. On a recent trip, I caught myself following the journey of these lamps dancing along the waves and then watching the dying of their light. It reminds you of life, and loss.

The festive season is always a strange time for those who have lived life—the untrammelled joy of youth, tempered by the sadness of days gone by; the emptiness of loved ones lost.

I still remember the drumbeats of Durga Puja in my little heart, as autumn arrived in my childhood. The smell of new clothes and gifts from parents—fun all day long. You thought life would always be this way.

On my way to work now, I delight in the long white grass growing on the floodplains of the Yamuna. You know it’s that time of the year again. At Reader’s Digest, we celebrate the season with a number of offerings (Post-Party Detox, Plan Your Platter and The Season to Celebrate) not the least of which is a delightfully funny cover story. ‘Blossom in the Dust’ is an amazing testimonial of love, guilt and shame. ‘Some Questions for a Brother’ is heart-wrenching and vivid. Do read our tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on his 150th birth anniversary. Of course, there are your regular favourites—soak it all in.

May you have a joyous festive month!