Today is my son’s birthday, as I was making arrangement for it, I could not stop thinking of the celebrations we had when I was a child.
My Birthday Celebrations in the 90s: A Trip Down Memory Lane
Birthdays in the 90s in India were a truly magical time, filled with simple joys and heartfelt moments that have become cherished memories. Growing up, my birthday was always an eagerly anticipated event, a day that brought together family, friends, and a sense of pure, unadulterated joy.
The preparations would begin days in advance. My parents would start by buying colorful streamers, balloons, and a big birthday banner from the local market. The house would be transformed into a festive wonderland, with decorations adorning every corner. The night before my birthday, I could hardly sleep, giddy with excitement about the celebrations that awaited me.
One of the highlights of the day was my birthday outfit. My father would buy me a beautiful fairy dress and a princess crown, making me feel like royalty for the day. For my friends, he would get the colorful “Happy Birthday” hats, adding to the festive spirit.
The birthday cake was always a highlight. We had only two types of cakes back then – one with vanilla flavor topped with cherries and the other with butterscotch. We would alternate the cake every year. Despite their simplicity, those cakes were the epitome of delight for me and my friends. Blowing out the candles and making a wish was a ritual that always felt incredibly special.
The guest list included close family, neighbors, and my school friends. As the guests arrived, the house would fill with laughter, chatter, and the sound of children playing. Traditional party games like musical chairs, passing the parcel, and pin the tail on the donkey were a staple, and they never failed to bring out the competitive spirit in everyone.
It is on this day, we had the opportunity to wear our favorite dress to school. All others would be wearing regular school uniform, and I was treated special. Before lunch, I would stand in front of my class and everyone would sing a happy birthday song. Then I would distribute Parle G or Eclairs chocolate to all my friends.
In terms of snacks, my mom would always make sure to serve samosas, chips, and Eclairs chocolates. We couldn’t afford the more expensive sodas like Thums Up, Gold Spot, or Limca – though Limca was my favorite. Instead, my mom would make Rasna, a popular fruit-flavored drink, and all my friends used to enjoy it. The simple pleasure of sipping on a cool glass of Rasna remains one of my fondest memories.
As the evening approached, the party would culminate with the cutting of the cake, followed by everyone singing the birthday song. My parents would then serve the cake along with the array of delicious snacks prepared earlier. The day would end with me feeling immensely grateful and loved, surrounded by the warmth of my family and friends.
Presents were another exciting aspect of the day. I used to receive all sorts of gifts, from pencil boxes and color pencils to small packets with 5-10 Rupees notes in them. Unlike today’s extravagant gifts, the presents I received were often simple and thoughtful. Each gift was cherished and held a special place in my heart.
Looking back, those birthday celebrations in the 90s were not just about the festivities but about the love and effort that my parents put into making the day special. They are a reminder of a simpler time, where happiness was found in the little things, and every birthday was a celebration of love, family, and togetherness.
