Diwali with the stars

What makes the festival of lights special to our Sandalwood stars? We find out how our South-Indian sirens plan to celebrate Diwali, and what they plan to gift their loved ones this Dhanteras

What makes the festival of lights special to our Sandalwood stars? We find out how our South-Indian sirens plan to celebrate Diwali, and what they plan to gift their loved ones this Dhanteras

Dhanteras, is celebrated by the Hindus on the thirteenth day of the month of Ashwin, which marks the beginning of the five-day Diwali celebrations. It takes place two days before Diwali to honour Dhanyantari, an incarnation of Vishnu. Prayers are sent for good health and prosperity. Clay idols of Shri Ganesh and Shri Lakshmi are bought from the market, besides metal, which is considered auspicious, which is worshipped on the day of Deepavali. Of late the trend has shifted towards big-ticket purchases like gold, silver, platinum and diamonds.

I will celebrate this Diwali in my house in Mumbai with family and friends. I like to illuminate my house with lights and candles and I have planned to celebrate the festival the eco-friendly way. I have bought clothes and gadgets to give away as gifts for my friends and relatives. I like Indian food and am not too choosy about my food preferences.
Jennifer Kotwal

I am going to Mumbai for three days, which is my hometown to celebrate Diwali and I am celebrating this Diwali with my parents after two and half years. We make Gujarati sweets and special sweets. I plan to bake a cake myself this year. My favourite sweet is Rasagulla. I am buying to buy a new Apple laptop for myself. I also bought a branded watch as a gift for my grandmother.
Bianca Desai

This Diwali is special for me and I have planned to celebrate with gaiety by lighting up my house with lots of candles, without using electricity. Also, I am going to Nightingale, an old age center, which is near my house and enjoy this Diwali with people who need love and affection. We also prepare a lot of sweets. My favourite food is Mande, which we prepare specially for this festival. I have myself learnt the art of making candles and if I get time, I plan to sit one day and make some nice candles to give as a gift for my loved ones with best wishes.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
Radhika Pandit

I am celebrating this Diwali with my family and friends. Every year I get busy with hectic shooting schedules. My favourite food is Tomato bath, which is specially made by my mother. I had gone to Bangkok and bought some gifts for special friends, like artificial flowers, lamps and candles.u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
Daisy Bopanna

I plan to decorate my house on my own, this Diwali and have planned a simple pooja. I don't like crackers and other articles that spread pollution and my mother is planning to cook us a special meal for the festival. Usually we make vegetarian on the second day and non-vegetarian spread on the third day. My favourite sweet is Payasam, which I plan to make myself. My friends are coming for this festival from Mysore and I am going to give them unique gifts. For dhanteras, I will buy a gold necklace for myself.u00a0
Prajna

I am celebrating this Diwali with my family and friends. I missed it last year as I was in Mumbai. I don't like to burst crackers. I have bought a new 51" LCD TV for this Diwali. My favourite food is home made Kajjaya and Kaju Burfi.u00a0u00a0u00a0
Tilak