Diwali 2025: Here are some easy tips to host the perfect house party in Mumbai

Popular card game UNO makes for the ideal ice-breaker

It is that time of the year when living rooms transform into buzzing mini casinos and the laughter doesn't stop until long past midnight. Diwali parties are more than just gaming nights of a different kind; they are familial rituals that add up to the festivities. Whether you're a seasoned host or a first-timer, hoping to pull off the perfect card night, the secret lies in creating the right mix of fun, comfort, and chaos.

To decode what makes a Diwali card party memorable, Mohit Karwal, a seasoned party host originally from Delhi but currently working in Mumbai, said a Diwali party is no less than a grand celebration, and the golden rule is simple - "Keep it easy, inclusive, and spontaneous. The best parties are the ones where everyone feels like a winner, even if they lose every round."

A charcuterie board; (right) a game of Catan in progress

While Teen Patti and poker remain classic crowd-pleasers, Karwal swears by shaking things up a little. "Initially I came up with the idea of keeping a quiz to break the ice followed by a few board games and of course, legendary playing cards."

Karwal also stressed on the idea of keeping the party going, "which is when I bring out the modern board games like Catan (a strategic board game where players compete to settle the island of Catan by collecting and trading resources to build roads, settlements, and cities) and Shasn (a strategic board game where politicians compete for elections and the player who achieves the most ‘majority voters' wins the game), as these games, he feels, bring out the quiet ones into action."

A well-lit space can can set the tone for a night of games. Pics Courtesy/Mohit Karwal

For first-time hosts, setting the mood is half the battle won. "A well-lit space strung with fairy lights or diyas instantly lifts the spirit and music on the other hand should include a mix of everything from desi Bollywood, to indie to festive songs," Karwal emphasised.

"One rookie mistake that most of the hosts make is over-planning the food and coming up with an exhaustive food menu instead of handy, eat-out-of-box items. Not a lot of people prefer heavy or even full meals at a party. Instead opt for snacks or a charcuterie board, which can include cheese, biscuits, fruits. Since I am from Delhi, puri, kachori, and moong dal vada are an absolute must. If there is alcohol, make sure the hosts don't drink to an extent that they forget everything," advises Karwal.

Mohit Karwal

Karwal's hosting mantra is to plan well but play it cool once the night begins. "Don't micromanage," he advises. "A good host sets the tone, makes sure there is no one who feels like a wallflower, then joins the fun, and that might just be the golden tip to remember is that all the guests remain well fed, and the actual party will always be around the kitchen, while if the party stretches beyond a certain time, the party is a success.

Mahjong mania

This traditional Chinese strategy game, is a tile-based game that originated in 19th-century China and is popular worldwide, with variations for both multiplayer and single-player. Mahjong has been difficult to source in India due to import restrictions.

Mystical woods Mahjong set

Mojo Mahjong, a homegrown Indian brand, bridges that gap, offering beautifully designed, fully customisable sets made for both seasoned players and curious newcomers.It is emerging as a popular new favourite at Diwali and family house parties. Mojo Mahjong, offers a set of four traditional Japanese tiles; Classic mother of pearl, Sakura dreams, Tropical and The mystical woods. (Rs 1500 each)

Sakura dreams Mahjong tile set

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