Diwali Dhamaka!

SHWETA SIROHI GUPTA suggests cool ideas to pep you up this Diwali, to give the festival an off-beat and fun flavour

Diwali is on the weekend this year, which gives you some more time to indulge in the festive spirit. Although Diwali rituals were modest in the past, the festival is now celebrated in manifold contemporary ways. Not just in Indian, but the diaspora across the globe indulge in the merriment of the season, keeping the spirit of Diwali alive and kicking. And in our fast paced lived, it is these festivals that give us a reason to spend quality time with loved ones and create fond memories which we will cherish for life. Here are fun ideas to help you get into the festive groove. These concepts have been tried, tested and loved, so go on, enjoy a bit of adventuring this Diwali.

Express yourself

Take a moment to think… aren’t there loads of things you wanted to share with your family and friends back in India? No matter how often you catch up on the phone or internet… wo baat nahi hoti! How about grabbing the ‘old is gold’ idea of expressing your feelings by putting pen to paper? Haven’t done that in a long while? Use Diwali as an opportunity (read excuse!) to send them your wishes with special hand-crafted letters. To commemorate the festival, choose a decorative letterhead and get going. Surprise your loved ones!

Musical feast

Mehendi mania

Mehendi is the perfect accessory you can wear to flaunt the festival spirit, that’s exuding from your soul! The art is an ancient one that goes back centuries, yet it is also one of the trendiest. Try this breathtaking design at home and mesmerize everyone. To ensure that the mehendi is rich and dark, adopt proven techniques like applying lemon and sugar, or apply Tiger balm or Vicks Vapourub, as they are known for their heating properties. Once the mehendi dries up, scrub it off with coconut oil and keep your hands dry for at least 24 hours. Show off girls, it’s Diwali!

Looking for the perfect theme for your Diwali party? Well, sweets are passé, anyone can serve them. One ‘beyondthe-box’ idea is to organize a musical evening and treat your guests with festive songs prepared by you and your partner, encouraging them to join in. Print the songs so that everyone has the lyrics handy and you’ll be surprised at your guests’ enthusiasm to participate, maybe after a few false notes! You don’t have to sound like a pro to entertain; your guests will love your authentic singing…if nothing else, it will give them a reason to laugh. Entertainment at its best!

Radical rangoli

This Diwali, create a beautiful rangoli to welcome Goddess Lakshmi in your home. Go wild with colored powders, ground chalk, paint, or even try natural material from your kitchen shelf like colored rice, turmeric, ground chili, lentils, or flowers from your garden. Don’t worry about a fancy design, if you are a beginner, use a design stencil or try geometrical patterns as they are easier to implement. Mesmerize everyone!

Paint pictures

Thinking of a fabulous Indian-style makeover for your home this Diwali, but can’t afford to spend thousands? How about grabbing your colour palette and bringing out the artist in you? Create something artistic to adorn your walls, which will give them a face lift and you a great sense of pride, in your ability to be unique and individualistic. Bull’s eye!

Doll up, darlin’

The festive season is all about dressing up and making everything look beautiful and glittering, including you. After all, it is the festival of light! Most of us shy away from getting all decked up as we’re away from the festive environment of India. We celebrate in our cozy homes with controlled dhoom-dhamaka! But wake up girls, this is the best justification to shake the dust off your traditional wardrobe and get into your most sparkling outfit. Whether sarees or salwars, mix n match with jewellery and double the fun by inviting girlfriends over for a little get-together. Nothing can be more fun for us girls than decking ourselves in our best attire and make-up. Spice up the occasion by putting up a fashion show for your partners, the catwalk is as much fun for those on it, as for those watching. ‘D’ is for divas and ‘D’ is for Diwali…way to go!