Diwali during a Pandemic

By Mrinalini Sundar

Come Diwali and it is time to meet friends and family, burst crackers, devour sweets, light lamps, and be thankful for all the good things in life. This year Diwali will be a little different. Social gatherings are a big no and it is advised to celebrate only with the household. Here are a few tips on how to celebrate Diwali this year from home.

Though Diwali is that time of the year when all of the family comes together, this year the only way to celebrate it is by maintaining social distancing, wearing a mask, and not assemble in larger groups. We wish you a happy and safe Diwali with virtual parties, lots of sweets, and savories, plus unlimited fun!

Plant a tree

Every year, we advocate taking a step towards being green. For all special occasions - be it birthdays, anniversaries, or just any festival, how about buying a plant or planting a tree? This way you are building your own garden or nursery (buy your favourite plants). When the weather permits, also plant a tree that will be special and can be a special gift for every birthday. This could easily be the best way to go green.

Send Diwali cards

Go back to the days when there were no cell phones or Internet. Old fashioned can never go out of trend - especially the ones that you make yourself. Design a handmade card and send one to your near and dear ones, for something more polished, you could take a picture of your family in festive wear and send a lovely photo card.

Mindful gifting

With all the time in your hands, this year can be all about mindful gifting by that we mean handmade. Indulge in some arts and crafts and try to create a handmade gift for your loved one. Indulge in pottery, flower decoration, or just painting for your special one. If you choose to buy a gift, you could at least wrap it at home, or write a personalized note. After all, it is the thought that matters, doesn't it?

Contactless gifting

We have the gifts, now how do we deliver them? The best way is to leave the gifts at the doorstep of your family. Leave the gift at their doorstep and inform them

With all the time in your hands, this year can be all about mindful gifting by that we mean handmade.

After all, it is the thought that matters, doesn't it?

so they don't get stolen. You could also wait for them outside their house, while they open it and tell you how much they love the gift. Well, this year is all about exploring innovative ways of living life.

Charity

This year will be difficult for the entire world but a little charity and giving back to your community can go a long way. Buy new clothes for the underprivileged, donate to NGOs back in India, or just feed the poor - everybody needs a little hug and smile to get through the tough times.

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HAPPY DIWALI!

Decorate your car withgarlands, pathaka

stickers,and anything quirky andfun. Drive-

Do a driving parade by your friend'splace and wish them fromthe safety of your car. Since visiting friends and having parties can be difficult this year, the idea for the year is to get on a car parade. What is that? Remember how kids graduated this year? Well, this is similar to that. Decorate your car with garlands, pathaka stickers, and anything quirky and fun. Drive-by your friend's place and wish them from the safety of your car. This Indulge in games way you will cover everyone's house, get to see your loved Game parties are important one, and dress up as well. during Diwali and can go on While this might not be as till late at night. But this year fun as the real parties are, we what can be the substitute? will retrieve the fact that this Ludo emerged as a winner year will be different. Get all amidst the pandemic as we your friends to decorate their all know. Extend the gaming cars and see which ones are fun this year and indulge the craziest of them all.

All about the lamps

Go all out with the lamps and lights. Light as many lamps as you can, make your house pretty and keep up with the festive vibe in the safest manner possible. Let the lamps get all the positivity you want in your house. You could also get the plain diyas and paint them with the little ones at home. Light them in the interiors as well as the exteriors (depending on the climate) for those positive vibes all across the house.

in everything from online poker, to other card games! You could also host virtual multi-player game parties, all you need are some munchies by your side. Take the gaming fun to the next level with virtual parties.