In Bengaluru, home-hosted Diwali parties have become a popular way for young professionals to celebrate the festival away from their family homes. From potluck gatherings to festive game nights, these get-togethers offer an opportunity to celebrate together before heading back to native cities. Through this process, strangers become close friends, new traditions are born, and the city begins to feel more like home. [1]
The 'Ghar ki Diwali' (Diwali at Home) event, hosted by Vaishnavi Patel through The Artsy Club, provided a space where those unable to travel home could experience warmth and a sense of belonging. Vaishnavi explains the intention was to create a space that conveys the joy of collective celebration, as Diwali is when people feel the strongest longing for home. Participants were mostly people from other cities who wanted to celebrate in Bengaluru before departing for their native places, thereby creating a unique experience. [1]
For some, such as Dipti and Ashvini Mundhra, hosting a Diwali party with friends has become an annual tradition for three years, initiated precisely to celebrate together before most friends leave for their native cities. Rudra Parikh, originally from Gujarat, mentions that such events helped him find a community in Bengaluru, with friends met at one event becoming like family. [1]
Vaishnavi Patel, who moved to Bengaluru two years ago, understands the feeling of celebrating holidays away from family. For Amrutha M., a participant, such gatherings transformed Bengaluru from just a work city into a true home. She observes that Diwali is not just about the people you grew up with, but also those you meet along the way. Living away from family, friends become family during holidays, and the fact that everyone is in the same situation facilitates the creation of strong social bonds. [1]
To host a successful Diwali party, guides suggest maintaining a cozy atmosphere for an intimate reunion. Decor should include diyas, fairy lights, and candles to quickly bring in the festive vibe, while the entrance can be adorned with lilies or a quick rangoli (mandala). Creating a nostalgia corner with childhood items and engaging in creative activities such as mehndi drawing, decorating diyas, or taking Polaroid photos is recommended. Organizing games like poker or dance and singing sessions helps keep guests engaged and entertained. [1]
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