Austerity is the buzzword this Diwali. Whether style or celebration, it’s all about keeping it simple this season, say prominent city denizens who will ditch all ostentation for quieter, more intimate family affairs and religious services. And there are those who have diverted their original opulent Diwali budgets into charitable causes.
Filmmaker D. Sureshbabu says Diwali this year is a complete ‘family affair’ for them with just a puja at the studio, sweets and a family get together. “For our family, Diwali is an opportunity to get together, eat, perform puja and celebrate. We confine it to religious festivities and avoid pomp and show. This time, there will be fewer celebrations everywhere as the general public mood is not too jubilant.” He says there is a lack of an ‘upbeat mood’ this time, “There is a 50 per cent drop in the Diwali get-togethers in the city and many are confining their celebrations to their family. The untimely death of YSR, heavy floods clubbed with poor business has certainly impacted the celebrations, thereby forcing us to focus on the finer aspects of life, which is what festivals are all about,” he says.
The graceful restraint of classic tradition is making a comeback and fashion trends, sans the bling and frippery, seem to mirror this. “This Diwali fashion trends have changed. Most people who came to my boutique asked for simple and clean cuts. Even zardosi and sequin work, which were so popular till even a few months ago, are suddenly passe. Everyone wants sober yet chic clothes which spell elegance and subtlety,” says Vinita Pasari, designer and store owner.
Actor Sneha Ullal agrees. “My Diwali parties every year are quite wild. But this time, I prefer spending a quiet evening with my family.”
Actor Archana too echoes the same sentiment. “In all the glitz and noise we make about celebrations, we usually tend to forget the real meaning of festivals — family time, pujas and recollection. These will be the key factors in my Diwali celebrations this year.”
Making sure to keep it low key, business communities in the city will also include flood victims in their celebrations. There will be half the usual number of ‘Diwali milans’ in the city this year. Instead, the focus is on “giving back”, says Narendar Surana, Chairman, FICCI, AP chapter. “This time, Diwali is being celebrated with a sense of responsibility.”
Kiron, CMD of Suchir India, known for his grand celebrations, agrees. He has invited all his relatives home a day in advance so that he can celebrate the festival with the displaced people in Kurnool. “Except for a Lakshmi puja, there won’t be any grand celebrations. This time, we are also avoiding cracker shows,” adds Kiron.
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