6 fun ways to celebrate Diwali in a safe, socially-distanced way

By now, we all have a Diwali routine of poker parties, lively dinners, family getaways and a spot of festive shopping down pat. But 2020 has been a journey into the unknown. So naturally, a predictable Diwali is not on the cards (pun unintended) this season. But instead of bemoaning the loss of the way we were, why not use this year to adapt and create new festive rituals? Because traditions may evolve with passing time, but the joy they bring us need not diminish. Vogue India put together a list of ideas to get you started.

1. Dress up your home

Can we just agree that a house full of flowers equals to a heart full of love? Especially when it’s Diwali season. Dress every corner of your house with an overload of customary marigolds and tuberoses. Wear your festive finest, fill those urlis with scented candles, and lay the table with your best china. Just because you can’t call over a crowd, doesn’t mean you should crimp the celebrations.

2. Diwali drive-by

Borrow from this year’s popular birthday drive-by concept and give it a Diwali makeover. Make it a full-blown affair—send out an invite with a route that includes all the suggested pit stops at the homes of your friends and families in the neighbourhood. Greet your guests from the front gate (with your masks on, of course), crank up the music, and make a party out of it.

3. Organise a food swap

Was your annual Diwali dal baati lunch a much-awaited affair? Or did you visit your bestie every Dhanteras for her grandmother’s homemade mithais? While you may not be able to feast on all your festive favourites with your closest crew, you could set up food swaps with them—each friend can add their kitchen’s signature dish to create a crowdsourced Diwali menu. This way, at least you’ll be savouring the same flavours together in spirit.

4. Throw a virtual party

Before you log out of Zoom parties for good this year, make the last round count. Have your clan’s designated organiser create a personalised Diwali bingo with clues centred around family trivia, anecdotes and Diwali rituals. For those who miss their taash parties, get online to play poker and teen patti with your usual circle.

5. Curated Diwali hampers

Easiest way to spread some festive cheer? Gift hampers for your loved ones. From classic Indian sweets, organic produce and cheese platters to floral arrangement, diyas and scented candles, get creative with your curation from locally sourced homegrown brands.

6. Socially-distanced gatherings

Created a safe quarantine bubble over these last few months? Call them over for a responsible socially-distanced party. Ideally, host it outdoors—on a private terrace or garden, if you have one. Keep the guest list intimate and set the tables apart. Instead of poker, consider tambola instead. Create welcome baskets for your guests with a sanitiser and face mask. Each table can be equipped with mini bar carts to minimise contact.

Also read:

A 7-step guide to hosting a virtual family get-together during the lockdown

Design One goes digital, just in time for your Diwali shopping

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