After two dull years, this Diwali is going to be special for these television actors

Festivities in the last two years were dull owing to the pandemic, but things are almost back to normal now and this Diwali is going to be extra special for us. We spoke to telly actors, who share their plans for the festive season...

This is our first Diwali post pandemic and I am so excited. We also got to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi and Navratri earlier this year and it all feels amazing. This is going to be an almost pandemic-free festive period and everyone is looking forward to it. It’s going to be my first Diwali in my new home. Post Diwali, I plan to go for a small family trip because it has been a long time since we all went out together.

During the pandemic, we all were restricted to our homes. But this Diwali is almost pandemic-free, which means we can be without our masks. We can go to our friends and relatives’ homes and have guests over at our place. For me, it will be cracker-free and environment-friendly Diwali, one with rangoli and diyas as decorations. In the last two years, we couldn’t do the Govardhan puja, so this time we will be doing that. This year will be full of celebrations.

I am very excited about celebrating Diwali this year. I have planned my outfits and jewellery for all the days. During COVID, the dressing was simple during festivals as we were at home. But now it’s going to be different. I plan to call friends over and even visit some buddies. In the past two years, I could not help the less fortunate by donating things, this time, I will do that.

Diwali two years ago was a silent ritual. Instead of celebrating, we were praying for the health of our near and dear ones. Every now and then, news of somebody known to you, living in your building or a friend or relative being very unwell would silence all the patakhas, sutli bombs and rockets. Lighting was just symbolic and there was no hustle bustle in bazaars. Everyone was wearing masks. But this time, seems like the pomp and fervour is back and we will celebrate this festival of lights and life with greater joy. I will be celebrating Diwali with my family and friends like always.

In the last two years, Diwali was a very private affair. There was no grand celebration at home. We couldn’t invite anyone to our place. This year will be a triple celebration to make up for the last two years. I plan to go to Mahalaxmi temple like I always do on Diwali. I also do sewa in a gurudwara on Diwali, which I haven’t done in the last two years. I will be attending parties, too, and I am planning a mini vacation with my sister. There won’t be any fear or stress this time.

In the last two years, I didn’t celebrate Diwali. Everyone was scared because of COVID, but this Diwali, I will go out and enjoy myself thoroughly. I am someone who doesn’t like to sit at home during festivals, but I had no option during the pandemic. But this time, I am very excited to do all the things which I couldn’t because of COVID.

This year’s celebrations are going to be twice as nice because just before Diwali starts, it is Ketki’s (Walawalkar, his girlfriend who is a creative director) birthday. Both our families will come together to celebrate the festival. In the last two years, there was a lot of uncertainty and gloom in the air, but this year, all the festivals from Ganesh Chaturthi to Navratri were celebrated the way they are supposed to be celebrated with family and friends. For two years, we couldn’t really meet our loved ones on special days, but this time we will make the best of it.

During the pandemic we couldn’t meet anyone or share sweets with our neighbours, which is like a ritual for us because the real fun of Diwali is in sharing sweets. I am so happy that after two years, we are celebrating the festival without any rules and regulations. I have started planning for Diwali pahat (early morning get-together). We will enjoy music and gather for lunch, potluck style. We will also be doing the Laxmi pujan at home and will call people over. This kind of Diwali celebration is what I was missing in the last two years.