Sunday Reflections – Swagata Chongdar

Rambling Thoughts on Quarantine Birthday

Like pebbles rumble in silent waters, Birthdays bring excitement in an otherwise monotonous life. Birthdays can be real fun and as well as make you sad, an occasion that revolves around memories to go partying or reminisce down the memory lane.

I woke up yesterday with 10 missed calls and 30 notifications over social media like all other birthdays. This 22^nd Birthday greeted me with mindful of memories precisely. The memories of childhood knocked my mind as I tried sorting out the celebrations for quarantine birthday. The typical concept of childhood birthday celebration relied upon decoration with balloons,inviting friends, throwing of a lavish party and opening gifts at the end of the day. This tradition has been followed all throughout the ages of my life. As I grow a bit older, life has altogether been a roller coaster ride. The notion of celebration has been crisp and diminutive.

So this quarantine birthday relied upon the Zoom calls arranged by favorite people and baking of my own cake and spending time with family. Again, the festive mood continued with decorating my own room, having homemade food and watching preferred shows together. It is therefore safe to have your birthday in the middle of a global pandemic and also is rather unfortunate. But despite all terrible things, this is only normal that many of my friends and family made my birthday memorable through all possible means whichwraps up the whole thought. In addition, I felt that this brings much more sophistication than a mega bash every year.

However, this quarantine birthday has been thoughtful as days are passing andlife is ushering surprises; taking a bit farther or closer to understanding of it. This guides one’s conscience of existential questions regarding life and its purpose. Again Life isn’t about just crossing off a to-do list but much more of everything. So cheers to 22, embrace yourself and get going.