CHICAGO, IL – “Visiting friends, enjoying the food served by the temple, and having the chance to meditate” are just a few reasons the Mehta’s cite as to what they look forward to every Diwali season at their Chicago temple.

Last Friday, as 23-year-old Sunny Mehta popped Midol and laid on the couch with a heating pad on her groin – her mother, 51-year-old Shilpa Mehta, texted Sunny asking what time she’ll be at the temple that evening.

Sunny promptly texted back, “Hi mom, be there by 7:30.”

“Ok great…..make sure you’re not on your periods. lol.” responds Mrs. Mehta.

“Why? What happens?” texted Sunny.

“Stop it.” responds Mrs. Mehta.

With a craving for temple food and no satisfactory answer as to why she can’t enter the temple while on her period, Sunny Mehta put on some comfy leggings plus kurta and headed out.

Upon arrival to the temple, Sunny prepared for the worst.

She looked out for lightning strikes that were likely willed to her by God’s wrath. She kept her distance from the giant temple chandeliers lest one crash down upon her.

She even avoided cracks – in case they broke her mother’s back.

After praying and saying hi to some friends, Sunny safely arrived at the temple food hall where she saw her parents.

“Aren’t you on your periods?” whispered Mrs. Mehta to Sunny.

Sunny responds, “Yea. I will be next month too for that puja we’re attending. See you then.”

Written By Rani Shah

October 15th, 2017