The festival of lights, Diwali is here. It is one such festival in India that is celebrated irrespective of caste, creed and religion. The entire country is celebrating it with utmost zeal and fervour. Our celebrities are no less.
Some of the celebs have shared how they’re going to celebrate this year’s Diwali and they also shared some of their fondest childhood memories of Diwali.
This Diwali holds a unique charm as it marks Vaayu's first celebration of the festival. He is just three and a half months old, so we're opting for a cozy family gathering at home, given his tender age. Our usual Diwali tradition involves staying at home, cherishing moments with our parents. Vaayu, being the most precious gift this year, adds an extra layer of joy. While we look forward to celebrating with family and friends, I express concern about the noise from crackers. Despite a decrease in their use, I hope for a tranquil Diwali, considering Vaayu's sensitivity to loud sounds. Our new home makes the festivities even more special, with preparations, decorations, and the joy of dressing up in traditional attire. Though time might be a constraint for homemade sweets this year, I'll strive to whip up some if time allows. Wishing everyone a delightful and safe Diwali!
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Vatsal Sheth
This Diwali holds profound significance as we celebrate it intimately at home, embracing a low-key festivity. Staying indoors is a deliberate choice, as our little one, Vaayu, is about to turn four months. It's a doubly special occasion since, as parents, it marks our first Diwali celebration with him. The anticipation of shopping for traditional attire for Vaayu adds an extra layer of excitement to the festivities. Unlike childhood Diwali filled with crackers, our family has shifted away from that tradition in recent years. Instead, we focus on illuminating our home with vibrant lights, creating an atmosphere brimming with positive energy. Our Diwali routine includes a meaningful pooja at home, while for the New Year, we make it a point to visit and cherish moments with extended family and friends.
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Soham Majumdar
Diwali has always been a festival of love and togetherness for me. I have fond memories of going to my mother's place in Barkhpur, Bengal and celebrating the occasion with pujas and traditional rituals. Back then, we were unaware of the environmental concerns related to firecrackers, so we enjoyed lighting them and engaging in all sorts of mischievous fun, like playing with Darabati and Rangmashal. This year, I plan to celebrate Diwali with my friends, coming together to enjoy delicious food and play various games. As a Bengali, I'll definitely savour an assortment of sweets; I have a sweet tooth and enjoy all kinds of sweet treats.
Arushi Sharma
Diwali for me is all about family time and praying to god for the best for each other. This year has been really good for me with Kaala Paani’s response and I have a heart full of gratitude. There will be traditional Himachali food that my mom cooks at home which includes Siddu, Kachoris, Mithais etc.
In Himachal, we believe in keeping it a simple and intimate celebration amongst relatives and friends. I will be visiting my ancestral temple in my village in Simla to seek blessings and offer some food and clothes this Diwali.
I love making Rangoli which is a huge responsibility. When I was a kid, my mom used to make it and I would just observe her but since last 10 years, it's been my department. We make a traditional Himachali Rangoli called Paatri which is different from other Rangolis. We don't use colours, but red and white patterns as it's considered auspicious in our culture. So, in a way, I'm taking the tradition forward which I love.
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Childhood was also about lighting a bonfire and singing songs and doing Naati (the traditional dance form of Himachal) around the bonfire. I hope to do it this year too.
Himachali delicacy called Siddu dipped in pure desi ghee is my favourite thing to eat during Diwali. There is a rare plant called Gucchi mushroom and that is yummy too. I love having Rasmalai and also some hot jalebi. (This question makes me feel hungry suddenly haha..)
Rashmi Agdekar
I always celebrate Diwali with family and friends, this year I luckily wrapped up shooting my film in time to go back home. It’s going to be a simple celebration with family, friends and lots of food! My core childhood Diwali memories were shopping for new clothes, the smell of freshly made Diwali snacks and bursting crackers with friends. I love Shankarpali! I specifically love the bits which go a bit dark and crisp. I’m so looking forward to having them this year.
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Sima Raaj
This Diwali is special for me! Firstly, my mom is finally home after 3 years in rehab and a nursing home. Secondly, I recently adopted a wonderful dog. I'm decorating my home with colourful lights and flower garlands. My main focus this Diwali is praying for peace and tranquillity on my land and enjoying time with my loved ones, including my dear Samantha, Saint Bernard I adopted. I feel grateful to be alive and with my loved ones, knowing that other parts of the world are still longing for peace, safety, and tranquillity. This Diwali, my hope and prayer are for the whole world to be illuminated with the light of love, peace, and brotherhood.
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Thomson Andrews
Diwali is a festival of unity, happiness, new beginnings, positivity and light and it means so much to us as a family. Every year we celebrate Diwali by calling over friends, dressing up in our best Indian attire and even exchanging sweets with neighbours. This year as well we will be celebrating Diwali by indulging in shopping and experiences and hence it's the perfect time to get away from the city. We are planning to have a staycation at a resort in the outskirts of Mumbai and spend some quality time with our daughter. Besides this, we look forward to welcoming light, brightness, positivity, prosperity, good health and success into our lives with the right people around us who contribute to our happiness and peace and we do the same for them.
