By Rituparna Sengupta Basu
The victory of good over evil and hope over despair – the most awaited festival of the year, Diwali is at the door. Feeling excited? Firecrackers, ladoos, lights, rangolis, fun, rituals and togetherness, all these add up to the festive spirit. So, how your beloved stars celebrate these festival of lights? Let’s Find out…
Dalip Tahil (Actor)
Diwali is the festival of lights. It is that time of the year when we remind ourselves to illuminate the path to our souls. My Diwali will be almost the same as every other day which begins with Yoga in the morning and meditation in the evening, and the family will hold a small pooja at home.
I believe every day should be a green day. Particularly during Diwali, we could be a little more sensitive since lots of firecrackers are burst which leaves behind a trail of waste and smoke. However, right after Diwali, we should embark upon Swachh Bharat and try to clean up our immediate surroundings as much as we can. We should also try and restrain the use of firecrackers, and maybe just as a token of the festivities light up a couple of sparklers.
Rohitashv Gour(Actor)
Ram Kamal Mukherjee (Author turned Filmmaker)
For me, Diwali means Kali Puja. As a Bengali, we would celebrate this festive season with 14 Saag (green leaves) and 14 diyas (candles) one day before Kali Puja. In our Kolkata house, we used to celebrate Kali Puja. I have such wonderful memories from my childhood. From decorating the idol of Ma Kali to preparing for puja, aarti and delicious bhog, we used to have a grand celebration.
This puja was initiated by my father Jaydeb Mukherjee. After I shifted to Mumbai almost 20 years ago, things changed. My father expired in 2009 and now my mother can’t take the stress anymore due to health reason. So my wife Sarbani and I do Kali Puja at our Mumbai residence, then light candles with my son Rian. We distribute sweets and diyas to our neighbours. Mostly we prefer Indian outfit and serve vegetarian food without onion and garlic to our guests. We have pulao, paneer kaliya, chana dal, aamshotto khejur chatni, five types of bhaja, payesh, mishti doi and five kinds of mishti.
Meera Deosathle (Vidya)
Ishita Dutta (Actress, Bepanah Pyaar)
Simone Singh ( Actress, Bahu Begum)
Aritra Das (producer)
Diwali or Kali Pujo is as special as Durga Puja to me, so in Diwali, I always prefer to wear traditional dress e.g kurta pyjama. Not white but colourful. This Diwali I am in Mumbai so will celebrate with my family (Ram da, Sarbani di and Rian). Here Ramda performs small kali puja at home so there will be bhog and then we might go for pandal hopping. Will not burst crackers but will light up with colourful diyas at home.
I love motichur laddo, dry fruits, sweets, chakli etc. In the main course I would love to have mutton kosha and pulao but as I mentioned there will be puja at home so will have pulao or khichdi, vegetarian dishes and in sweets chutney and mishti doi.
Rehaan Roy
For me, Diwali is a festival of happiness. The best part about Diwali is spending quality time with your whole family and friends. Certainly, I’m going to spend this Diwali with my friends. I would not think at all about my diet these days as it’s all about eating food, especially sweets. I also love to decorate my house with lights and candles.
However, I have decided not to burn sound crackers as that hurts the animals. I have a pet at home and I can truly relate to it. So, I would request all my fans to please avoid burning sound crackers. Instead spread happiness and make this occasion a festival of happiness and prosperity for everyone including the animals.
Daljit Kaur
Arjun Bijlani
Roop Durgapal (Actress)
Lovey Sasan (Actress)
Roshmi Banik (Entrepreneur & actress)
This year it’s going to be my first ever Diwali in Mumbai so it’s extremely special for me as I’ll celebrate it at my Mumbai home with family. Since I’m leaving for Delhi on Sunday night itself so couldn’t plan something that extraordinary. However, will do puja and havan at home and celebrate the evening with close friends and my family who is here just for the occasion.