the basics
This prince got grounded for 14 years because his stepmom wanted her own son to be king.
who is Rama?
Why you can’t go to your friend’s house on Diwali.
What is “We have guests coming!”
The number of times you’ll be asked about school.
What is “Too many to count”?
Fried dough balls drowning in sugar syrup.
What is gulab jamun?
You walk into the Diwali party and she hasn’t seen you since last year.
What is “you’ve gotten so tall! / You’ve gotten so thin! Are you eating?”
This guy had ten heads and still made the worst decision of all time: kidnapping Sita.
Who is Ravana?
What happens if you don’t clean your room before Diwali.
What is “Lakshmi won’t come!”
What happens to the leftover sweets.
What is “Eaten for breakfast for the next two weeks”?
A bright orange pretzel that got lost in a pool of syrup.
What is jalebi?
You say you’re full after your first plate.
What is “Just one more ladoo, what’s one more?”
This monkey god heard “Sita’s in Lanka” and just leaped across the ocean. No boat. No plan. Just vibes.
Who is Hanuman?
The reason you need to wear the itchy outfit.
What is “Your nani bought it for you!”
How long “we’ll leave in five minutes” actually lasts.
What is “Two hours”?
A silver-covered diamond that your auntie hands out by the dozen.
What is kaju katli?
You show up in jeans instead of Indian clothes.
What is “Where is your lehenga? It’s Diwali!”
When Rama finally came home, the people of this city lit so many lamps that it was basically the first Diwali light show.
What is Ayodhya?
Why you can’t throw away the empty sweets box.
What is “We’ll use it to store things!”
What you say when an auntie asks whether you remember her.
What is “Yes, of course!” (You do not.)
A round ball you’ve been told to eat “just one more” of.
What is a ladoo?
The topic turns to school.
What is “So, what about grades? Doctor or engineer?”
Rama’s brother who said “If you’re going into exile, I’m coming too,” making him the most loyal sibling ever.
Who is Lakshmana?
Why you have to say hi to an uncle you’ve never met.
What is “He held you when you were a baby!”
Where all the kids end up hiding during the party.
What is “Upstairs, in someone’s bedroom”?
A spice infused ice cube.
what is kulfi?
You mention you’re applying to colleges.
What is “My friend’s son got into Harvard, you know.”