There is a method to how most families enjoy Diwali with their near and dear ones. It involves endless binging on sweets and delicious treats, decorating the house getting dressed in fine attire, and sending prayers to Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha.
As we get ready to fly back and revisit our families, walk the familiar streets that now light up as if to guide us home, and sniff out the mouthwatering delicacies and sweets that mothers are busy making, it is no mystery that Diwali also brings with it a change in season. From the sweltering summer heat to a sudden nip in the air, it is only one of the many enchanting things about this festival.
Apart from the traditional celebrations and rituals that are practised during Diwali, there are some unique ways in which families and friends tend to celebrate the day to make it all the more exciting and fun. Let’s look at some of these unusual, yet entertaining, activities that make Diwali a much looked forward to holiday!
1. Enjoy Diwali by taking a trip with friends and family!
Traveling around Diwali season is still a new and upcoming idea that people are warming up to, and it is definitely a great way to ease into the festivities. Squeeze in a short trip with friends or family just to get everyone in the mood! Locations around your hometown are best for a quick getaway.
Visit the hill stations of Shimla, Mussoorie, or Manali, and if you’re traveling down South, Goa, backwaters of Kerala, and nearby destinations are good choices for a respite from busy schedules!
2. Enjoy Diwali by keeping an eye out for the next blockbuster!
Nowadays, Bollywood superstars like Shah Rukh Khan release long-awaited films (In the past: Ra.One, Dilwale, Happy New Year, and Chennai Express) on the day of Diwali or a few days before or after it!
It is exciting to spend the day with your loved ones catching the latest film, to take some time out from cleaning and prepping for the night. Book tickets well in advance if you want to snag good seats though. This year, Aamir Khan will be releasing Secret Superstar on Diwali, i.e. 19th October, a guaranteed good time!
3. Enjoy Diwali by having at least one Games Night!
It has become a tradition to hold games nights in celebration of Diwali, whether it is held at your home or your friends’, it is a sure way to enjoy long hours of the night playing, enjoying snacks, and having a good old time! There are several games that have become staple to these nights including card games, dumb charades, Taboo, and many others. Many people have taken to converting their space into a makeshift casino with professional poker game sets, flash a.k.a. teen patti, and other similar sport.
In the spirit of Diwali, it is a nice gesture to pool in all the winnings from these games and take everyone out for a lavish dinner or a short trip somewhere close for a breather!
Read: Diwali 2017: How is Diwali celebrated across India? Unique practices, customs & traditions!
4. Enjoy Diwali by decking your homes in the finest ornaments and rangoli
It is customary to decorate homes in the brightest, most dazzling lights, diyas, flowers, and candles, and now the markets are flooded with many new kinds of decorations that can be brought into the home for an even brighter setup. Oddly-shaped floating candles and paraphernalia such as tortoises, lotus flowers, cutesy hippos made out of soft clay, string flower lights, and electric diya lights are only a part of the latest buzz!
Rangoli is an intrinsic part of Diwali and people go all out with design and execution of elaborate creations made out of flowers, colours, etc. Shapes include Lord Ganesha, Goddess Lakshmi, diyas, floral displays, and auspicious signs. However, kids choose to play around with it and create many unconventional designs including elephants, abstract art, peacocks, and anything that surfaces in their imagination!
5. Enjoy Diwali by (not) bursting crackers
Bright lights, the pitter-patter of a seven-star sky bomb, and the whooshing sound of a rocket zooming into the night sky are all part and parcel of Diwali’s many delightful aspects. However, extra care must be taken while engaging with them! It is advised not to burn crackers as it only adds to the already polluted environment of India, but, it is tradition and what you can do is limit the number of crackers you burn. Not only will it make you feel less guilty but if you happen to have any lovable pets – in your home or on the street – they’ll thank you for it.
Bursting crackers is popular amongst children and adults, it can be exhilarating to spend a good hour or two with family well into the night. After Lakshmi Puja has concluded and the diyas have been placed to illuminate each corner of the house, burning phooljhadi is surely a tamer and safer way to enjoy yourselves.
6. Spend Diwali with the needy and the underprivileged
You can make Diwali special for others too. You and your family can consider donating your used items that are still in great condition to the nearest shelter. Your used laptop or tablet might assist as a learning tool for underprivileged children, mother’s unused kitchenware, glassware or shelves in the store room might help tremendously at a shelter that lacks furniture and the list goes on. Offer to decorate a charity home by making a rangoli and lighting diyas with your siblings. Better yet if you all can spend time making and distributing Diwali sweets and spending some time with them to help lift spirits and bring joy into other people’s eyes.
Which of these easy Diwali activities will be first on your list?
Read Our Exclusive Findings: Diwali 2017: Here are 10 most popular hometown cities Indians will travel to. Is yours on the list?
