From observing rituals to the joy of gifting, celebs tells us how they are celebrating Diwali this year…

Go cracker-free

Shiwani Chakraborty

I have such fond memories of celebrating Kali puja with my family during my childhood. Those gatherings were filled with warmth, love, and a deep sense of connection. We would perform the havan and then we would all sit together to enjoy the bhog. Diwali is truly about sharing and caring. But those explosive sounds haunt me every year. I truly hope for a safe and cracker-free celebration this year.

No noise please

Monika Singh

I want to celebrate Diwali without noise or air pollution. I support cracker-free Diwali. There are so many beautiful ways to enjoy the festival that are safe for both the environment and everyone around us. Diwali, for me, is about new beginnings, light overcoming darkness, and spending quality time with loved ones. I have decorated my home with diyas and rangoli, and will enjoy the festive dinner with family and friends. I love wearing traditional outfits. It adds to the festive spirit. I also indulge in sweets like kaju katli, barfi, and savory snacks like chakli. When it comes to gifting, I prefer thoughtful, personalised presents.

Spreading colour

Arshin Mehta

As a child, I loved burning firecrackers on Diwali, but now I celebrate it in an eco-friendly way. It’s about spending time with family and friends. We decorate the house, light diyas, and make a rangoli. If I’m not busy shooting, I go back to my hometown Nagar to celebrate with loved ones. I love dressing up in traditional outfits. Diwali is also the perfect time to indulge in sweets—I try a bit of everything! I enjoy gifting sweets and decorations like diyas and rangoli colours.

Missing Chandigarh

Anupama Solanki

Diwali is my favourite festival. I love how every street and home shines and the sight of the sweets. I love to celebrate it in my hometown Chandigarh, but due to my busy shooting schedule in Mumbai, I couldn’t go home this year. I’m completely against crackers. This year, I’m wearing a saree. As for sweets, I love milk cake. My birthday is on November 2, so it’s going to be a back-to-back celebrations.

Changing scenario

Dipshikkha Nagppal

For me, Diwali is the time for happiness, lights, and of course, sweets! I remember when Diwali was about wearing new clothes and lighting diyas. Growing up in Gujarat, saying ‘Saal Mubarak’ was a cherished tradition. Nowadays, with families getting busier and gatherings becoming less frequent, the celebration feels different. It's more about making reels and hanging out with friends. When it comes to crackers, I'm definitely not a fan; I still remember the time a rocket fell on my head and burnt my hair! But I love sweets, especially kaju katli and motichoor ladoos. While I try to be health-conscious, I allow myself a little indulgence during the festivities. As for gifting, I don’t believe in the pressure of extravagant exchanges. I prefer giving meaningful gifts.

Dressed to kill

Raviraa Bhardwaj

For me, Diwali symbolises light, warmth, and togetherness. As a child, I loved bursting crackers, but now I am all for eco-friendly Diwali. I enjoy dressing up in traditional outfits with an Indo-Western twist. When it comes to food, I indulge in both savory and sweet treats. Although I'm not a big fan of sweets, Diwali tempts me with delights like kaju katli and besan ladoo, along with savory options like samosas and chaklis. For gifting, I prefer thoughtful and personal items that resonate with my loved ones.