Ashney Rebello

By Ashney Rebello | Food Columnist Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is a celebration that fills our homes with warmth, our hearts with gratitude, and our tables with irresistible flavours. It is a time when flickering diyas illuminate our surroundings, families gather and the aroma of freshly prepared sweets brings back cherished memories. For me, Diwali has always been about more than the beautiful lights and colourful decorations.

In the fabric of my family's customs, Christmas has always occupied a special place in our hearts. It is a season when joy and love come together to produce priceless memories. While I was growing up in Goa, India, December was my family's favourite month, and we all celebrated Christmas with open hearts. A childhood curiosity that became a legacy gave rise to one specific custom in our home. I remember that year, when I entered the neighbourhood's star-making contest as a wide-eyed child.