Sonia Gandhi shares memories of Diwali at Indira Gandhi's home in new video

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi shared childhood and family memories of celebrating Diwali at the home of her late mother-in-law, former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, located at 1-Safdarjung Road. In a video shared on X and Instagram on Sunday, Sonia is seen speaking with her daughter Priyanka Gandhi and granddaughter Miraya Vadra in the garden of the residence.

Family Memories

Sonia recalled that the home used to be fully lit up with earthen diyas during the festival rather than electric lights. The diyas were placed around the pond, along the roof, across the veranda, and down the pathways, starting with the lighting near the idol of Lord Ganesh. Kashmiri food was cooked specially for the festival, and Sonia told her granddaughter that people used to go wild with firecrackers in those days, adding that her favorite fireworks included the phuljhadi. Priyanka also remembered how the weather used to be pleasant with clear blue skies, and recalled a childhood ritual where her father, Rajiv Gandhi, used to take them to Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi to buy firecrackers.

Memoir Release

The video release coincides with Sonia Gandhi making her social media debut and the upcoming launch of her memoir titled 'Belonging: A Journey of Love', which is scheduled to hit bookstores on Tuesday, November 10. In excerpts from the book published ahead of the release, Sonia writes about the immediate aftermath of Indira Gandhi's assassination, recalling how she felt anger and anguish when Rajiv Gandhi told her he had been asked to become prime minister, fearing for his safety.

Context

Memoirs by prominent political figures often provide personal insights into historical events and family life behind closed doors. Indira Gandhi's former residence at 1-Safdarjung Road in New Delhi holds deep historical significance in Indian political history.