Shruti Seth: Diwali in Delhi brings back family memories

Television actors look back at their favourite Diwali memories, and list them here:

Shruti Seth

When my grandparents were alive, Diwali vacation had great significance as a family vacation in the city with the big heart aka Delhi.

All of us cousins would gather under the same roof. Everything was huge and celebratory and positive.

Lots of food, mithai, cracker bursting, and of course, jokes and laughter galore!

Girls are usually the lucky ones in Indian festivals, as Diwali is followed by Bhai Bheej and is a perfect occasion for us sisters to make a lot of moolah!

Diwali in Delhi brings back family memories of warmth, love and celebration - all the perfect spices in the cracker centric festival!

These memories always make me smile. Even though my last visit to the capital was when I was 12, it seems like yesterday.

I remember we once spent almost 40-50k on fireworks. We kids spent the entire night bursting crackers. It was a memorable Diwali.

I am from Lucknow. Diwali time in Lucknow is mostly filled with family visiting.

The day starts by visiting the temple, followed by seeking blessings from senior members of the family.

And how can Diwali be complete without a good and lavish lunch? It’s a ritual to end our day with fireworks.

My favourite Diwali vacation spot is my hometown Pune.

Since my childhood, Diwali for me has meant bursting crackers, eating delicious food, rangoli, performing Laxmi Puja and celebrating Bhau Bheej.

It’s the best time I have with my family. My most memorable Diwali was three years ago when I was an interior design student. We had been sent to Goa on an assignment.

I had the best time with my girlfriends. It was by far the best Diwali I had.

My favourite Diwali vacation spot is my home. I like being at home on Diwali and I feel that people should just stay at home and enjoy their family time.

Diwali for me has always been about lights, rangoli, buying new clothes and a fresh beginning.

In my childhood I was a big time faatu and I never used to crack any crackers, all I burned were those chakras and fuljadis.

This year I will be shooting during Diwali and if I pack up early I may have a small party at my house with my close ones.

My favourite Diwali vacation spot is Dubai, where I went three years ago with my parents.

I remember this lighted fountain which was so spectacular that I just couldn’t keep my eyes away.

This Diwali I have plans to go to my home town Agra and spend time with my family. I am really excited about it and looking forward to it.

During Diwali I would like to go to Kolkata as that place is lit up with the most amazing lighting ever. I have heard so much about it that I wish to visit it once.

Every Diwali I visit this gurdwara which is located between Lonavala and Khandala. They have the best lighting. It’s really cute as all the children give seva to everyone

It’s beautiful. I have been visiting that place since childhood.

Every year I make a point to be in my hometown on Diwali.

When I was 18 my father planned a Diwali in Nainital because I was studying at Sherwood College.

My father had passed out from St Joseph’s School and my Grandpa as a brigadier established the Army Supply Corp school in Nainital.

So all my and his local friends, including the famous actor Nirmal Pandey, celebrated Diwali at the Boat House Club in Nainital.

It was amazing with around 100 people and 50 kids, who danced, played games and to top it all, I won the Mr Nainital crown as a kid!

We also had a dip in the Naini lake at midnight. My parents scolded me and I blamed my sister for pushing me into the water but the truth is she wasn’t there at all.

It was a fun Diwali and remains fresh in my mind.

My family is in Delhi. Every Diwali I go back home to celebrate the festival.

On the day of Diwali the entire family has to come together. Mama, mami, chacha, chachi, everyone comes together.

We are crazy about fireworks. One Diwali we spent almost 40-50k on fireworks. We kids spent the entire night bursting crackers.