Sweven

my age are already diving into plans—everything from picking the perfect outfit to figuring out gifts, and yes, even dealing with house-cleaning and debating whether to invite that one nosy neighbor to the party. For those who aren’t familiar, Diwali is a festival celebrated in India each year to honor the return of Lord Rama from 14 years of exile, as recounted in the Hindu epic Ramayana. It’s a celebration of good triumphing over evil, and many also worship Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, on this day. Now, let’s dive into some classic Diwali activities (with a bit of yapping on the side)!

1. Home Decor

If you haven’t seen an Indian home during Diwali, you’re in for a treat! This is when the whole house glows with clay lamps called diyas and twinkling fairy lights. Why not make decorating fun? Gather your family to create beautiful rangoli designs, adding a splash of color to your entrance. The end result? A cozy, glowing home that’s a joy to look at.

2. Shopping

Now’s the perfect time to shop for gifts! From handcrafted wooden lamps to scented candles, festive outfits, and accessories, the options are endless. If you’re a DIY fan, gather supplies to make handmade gifts for loved ones—don’t forget to treat yourself too!

3. Making Sweets

If you have a sweet tooth, or, like me, all your teeth are sweet, Diwali is the ultimate excuse to indulge. Of course, indulging feels better when you’ve put in the effort—so why not make some sweets at home? It’s a great way to stay mindful of the ingredients. Don’t miss out on making classics like gulab jamun, kaju barfi, or besan ladoo this season!

4. Pooja Prep

Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved this time of year and the grandeur of worshipping the divine feminine. In Bengal, Goddess Kali is worshipped around Diwali, while much of India celebrates with Lakshmi Pooja. So don’t just sit back; help the elders with the pooja preparations. You can assist with cleaning, setting up, and decorating the altar with intricate designs!

5. Diwali Crafts

If you love arts and crafts, Diwali is the perfect time to get creative! Paint beautiful designs on your diyas, make paper lanterns, or create handmade greeting cards for loved ones (a nod to childhood days!). Crafting is a beautiful way to celebrate and also a frugal option for meaningful gifts.

6. Festive Games

Remember the magic of childhood games? Festivals are the perfect excuse to bring that magic back. I remember playing card games with family—it always brings back great memories. Take it up a notch with a Diwali-themed treasure hunt, or go classic with Antakshari to showcase those singing skills (or maybe just your bathroom singing skills).

7. Dress Up

Of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without dressing up! So, go all out—whether it’s a lehenga, saree, kurta, or any ethnic wear, wear it with confidence. Accessorize to match and don’t skip on the skincare prep before makeup to keep that glow healthy and vibrant.

And that’s a wrap! If you have any other ideas to add to this list, let me know!