When firecrackers were banned in the Capital, people had all kinds of reactions – some praised the government for their efforts to have a pollution-free Diwali, some were angry for having been robbed of an essential part of tradition, and for those who sell these firecrackers, there’s no telling how this will affect their business.
But the ban in no way takes away the spirit of one of India’s most loved festivals – the togetherness, the new outfits, the decking up of houses, the competition for who made the better rangoli, and of course, the food! And there’s a number of things you can do for Diwali that don’t involve firecrackers –
Cook a Feast
Festivals are incomplete without a grand assortment of food, and this year you can take it upon yourself to prepare a scrumptious meal for you and your loved ones. If you’ve never tried preparing a meal before, this is a great way to challenge yourself, and you can find a million recopies online to choose from.
Engage in some serious house décor
There’s nothing as pleasing as walking into a house that oozes the festive mood. If cooking isn’t your forte, why not spend your time glamming up the house? It isn’t that hard to get all the materials required, and you have the liberty of planning the overall outcome you desire, or even drawing your inspiration from places on the internet, like Pinterest.
Get creative with DIYs
DIYs are so creatively indulgent and can be a perfect stress reliever to those who need it. Instead of buying readymade items, why not customize them yourself for your friends and family to make it a little more special. Keep in mind that these gifts don’t have necessarily to be extravagant. It can be as simple as person notes that you write to your loved ones – the fact that it’s come from your heart makes it special.
Help those in need
While you’re lucky enough to get to spend and prepare for Diwali in the comfort of your home surrounded by those close to you, there are some not as privileged as you are, without even a roof over their head. Spend time with them, buy toys and clothes, or even prepare food for them. There’s nothing like giving them a memorable Diwali too.
Take a trip out of the city
Too lazy to cook, decorate and DIY? Pack up and leave! Diwali is a festival of togetherness, and you don’t always have to follow tradition for that. Make the most of the long weekend by going on a trip with your family or friends. You can even engage in some fun activities there such as card games, monopoly, jenga, sports, etc.
