Diwali constitutes to be one of the most important festivals for India. But in cities like Delhi and Ludhiana, Diwali parties have transformed into grand, almost theatrical displays that feel more like weddings than traditional celebrations.
These events start a month before Diwali and continue even after Diwali. At these gatherings, the spotlight is on luxury showcasing expensive jewellery, flashy cars, and the who's who mingling in designer outfits—all vying for attention in what feels less about honouring Diwali and more about standing out.
This year, in early October, I went to a party that everyone was talking about for weeks before and even after it ended. Growing up in Delhi, I sensed what this would be about but hoped for a different outcome- an outcome relished in memories of the 1990s Delhi. Once I stepped inside, I could tell away that this was going to the be the "new-age" Diwali party.
The house looked beautiful with the ambience set with vibrant marigolds, lights and classical music; it looked like a scene from Bollywood in one of Karan Johar’s Kabhi-Khushi-Kabhi-Gam type cinematic productions. However, as the evening progressed, I began to see that the focus wasn't on the atmosphere or Diwali festivities at all. It was all about flashy clothes- who is wearing which designer; a card game taking place in one corner of the room where guests were casually wagering money like it was nothing more than confetti being tossed around a celebratory occasion. When the stakes got high and cash became scarce on the table, car keys started making an appearance. It looked like a scene from Mahabharata. As I observed with intrigue and some concern, the fate of individuals in terms of wealth and feelings appeared to depend on the results of these games, motivated not by the ambience but by the excitement of chance and potential gain.
It wasn't just about this; it was everywhere I turned with people showing off their designer bags, exquisite jewellery and wearing custom made outfits like they were attending an Ambani wedding– tradition seemed almost forgotten in the midst of all that extravagance. The sweets on offer were all meticulously packaged and made with imported ingredients than simple celebratory treats. Part of me longed for the days when we would exchange the nearby famous shop’s Kaju Katli and find joy in sharing rather than flaunting our possessions.
Though the conclusion of these events remains connected to Diwali with a twist, in meaning. It's now about showcasing standing rather than revelry; the core theme of unitizing people gets overshadowed by opulence instead. This version of Diwali is widely acknowledged in Delhi and Ludhiana. In Mumbai, this celebration is heavily gaining momentum- opulent and extravagant yet unforgettable. Although I sometimes miss the Diwali celebrations of my childhood quietly in my heart there is a captivating charm, to these modern gatherings that feels almost like a scene from a movie—each event being a unique display that perfectly fits the cities love, for grandeur and luxury.
(This article is an opinion based article. The Culture Gully does not promote the use of firecrackers)
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