For years, Mr Mathivanan Kaneson and his wife Ms Anupriya Ramasundram would celebrate Deepavali with their two 13-year-old “furkids”, chihuahua Jimmy and pomeranian-mix Fluffy.
But this year’s Deepavali was extra-special for the couple – they got to celebrate the festival with their first child, five-month-old daughter Kaira Ananya.
“It was a 13-year wait,” said Mr Mathivannan, an AIA customer service executive.
“This year, we celebrated Deepavali with our three kids.”
The family’s Deepavali preparations revolved around Kaira. They even went to Little India a fortnight ago for Kaira to enjoy the Deepavali light-up.
Mr Mathivanan and Ms Anupriya, both 40, decorated their home in Woodlands, filling the flat with bright, sparkly items and even installed a fish tank for Kaira.
On Sunday, the baby was dressed in fine, traditional Indian attire and jewels.
After taking Kaira to visit her grandparents, the couple took her to visit other relatives and share their joy as new parents with them, especially the elderly.
Mr Mathivanan and Ms Anupriya are thankful that their family and relatives have been understanding of their attempt at starting a family. They were asked about it at times but never bombarded or lectured on the matter.
“Some relatives are nosy, but we take it in our stride,” said Ms Anupriya, a housewife.
“Such behaviour can sometimes spoil the festive mood and cheer. It should be stopped. The voices against this tendency are rising, and it’s a positive sign.”
Mr Mathivanan said people should be sensitive to why others do certain things, be it health, finance, marriage or children. “It is better to leave them alone and not interfere unnecessarily.”
But as proven by Mr Mathivanan and Ms Anupriya, the key to dealing with situations beyond their control is by having each other’s back.
