Diwali 2018: Something Special

Happy Diwali! 2018

This Diwali was a special one. Not only was it the most beautiful one, but also, it was extremely confusing one.

I bet most of you will be aware of what Diwali is but if you are not then here is the gist - It's an Indian festival that is celebrated every year with people decorating their homes, visiting loved ones, stuffing faces with sweets and other unhealthy food and bursting crackers (which is reducing y-o-y, thank god for that!).

As many of you know from my Instagram stories and highlights, that I recently moved to this new apartment in the same city. It was our first Diwali in this new place so we had all the more reason to go all out with the decoration and cleaning!

I wrote, confusing because it might be my last single Diwali ;). Let's see what the future holds for me but I had mixed feelings through the few days of the festivities. Although, Diwali takes place on one designated day since it is the BIGGEST festival in India; the decoration, shopping on auspicious days (Dhanteras), buying gifts for near & dear ones, etc. takes days. 

I can't complain as I LOVE 1. Decorating my place 2. I'm all for spending time with family 3. I love seeing happy faces.

 

What do People do on Diwali?

This is how a typical Diwali day looks like in an Indian family - we get up early and clean our house (if we haven't earlier).

By Diwali most people would have decorated with flowers and streamers, a series of lights inside and outside the house, if not, they do it today.

Rangoli (an art form made on the floor, usually outside the door to welcome guests) is made with various coloured grains (or other materials) or flowers. Nowadays, artificial stick-on acrylic ones that look really beautiful and are fuss-free.

We decorate the mandir with new deities and lighting diyas in and around the house.

 

What I Wore on Diwali

This Diwali, I wore this beige and hot pink ethnic suit gifted by my future in-laws on my birthday. I thought what better way to commence the Hindu New Year than by wearing new clothes gifted by a future family :)

I paired the suit with my favourite traditional sandals, mom's pink danglers and brass bangles bought from Diwali Mela (I told you Diwali is BIG. We have huge exhibitions and Diwali festival events in every city).

Rangoli made by me - Also, hand-painted diyas

Rangoli made by my mom

Our new society and how it looks from outside. People decorate their galleries with colourful lights.

Aerial view of the rangoli I made.

WEARING:

Suit - Meena Bazaar, Sandals - Metro, Bangles - Diwali Mela, Thrift, Earrings - BGs

What are your thoughts? Do you celebrate Diwali? How was it for you?
I did not burst crackers this time as a) too much pollution in Delhi b) Just waste of money.

What are your thoughts on bursting crackers? Would love to know below.

Till then, keep rocking!

xoxo

Akanksha