Diwali Archives - Page 2 of 3

Much Before Halloween There Was Bhoot Chaturdashi

Halloween is too in-your-face. Bhoot Chaturdashi, which falls on the night before Diwali, has the kind of suspense that plays with your mind. I remember peering into the dark fearfully, thinking twice about making that trip to the bathroom on my own, lest a spirit held my body hostage.

Chandrima Pal May 19, 2016

POV

Fire Safety be Damned. We are the Olympians of Stupidity

The recent fire incidents in Mumbai, including the current one at Crystal Tower in Parel are evidence of what a reckless country we are. We will spend a small fortune on a refrigerator, but never think of installing a fire extinguisher or following safety norms.

Mad Marx May 14, 2016

POV

Deepika-Ranveer Ki Shaadi: An Extended Diwali Celebration for Good News-Deprived India

Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli promoted their wedding with a Manyavar ad, Sonam Kapoor ended up marrying Anand Ahuja to promote Veere Di Wedding. So it’s only fair that Deepika and Ranveer get to enjoy their innumerable wedding announcements on Koffee With Karan.

Kalpak Bhave May 4, 2016

Vice

One Hand, Two Diamonds, Three Million

The man across the table makes you an offer: If his die lands anything but 6, he will double the million in your bank. If it’s a 6, you lose it all. What would you do?

Amit Bajaj April 26, 2016

People

Humans of Diwali Taash Party

Diwali: That time of the year where maniacal exhibitionism is injected with steroids. Meet the Goodwill Hunter and the Chakna Eater, stock features of the dick-measuring contest also known as the taash party.

Parthshri Arora April 18, 2016

POV

Return to Neverland

I had been away from Lucknow for only four years. Memories of the city simmered inside, relived like moments with a long-lost sweetheart and shorn of all blemishes.

Naved Ahmed April 12, 2016

POV

When Did Ambedkar Jayanti Start Getting the Rohit Shetty Treatment?

I was born in a Dalit family, and Ambedkar Jayanti was nothing short of Diwali for us. April 14 was a day of music and quiet pride. Over the years, however, the day has transformed. It is no longer the underdog indie; it is now a big, gaudy Rohit Shetty film.

Vaibhav Wankhede April 5, 2016

Features

“Iss Saal Bittu Ke Liye Kya Kharide?”: The Eternal Dilemma of The Diwali Gift

This Diwali think out of the (gift) box. Say no to dry fruit hampers and soan papdi ka dabba. Instead give your fam and friends what you’d want for yourself. Maybe a phone or a fitness band, depending on what they are really into.

Hardik Rajgor March 20, 2016

Earth

Toxic Air Killed 1.2 Million Indians in 2017. Why Are We Still Celebrating With Firecrackers?

From inaugurations of events like the IPL to star-crossed lovers in our films staring dreamily into the distance as the sky lights up with fireworks, we’re hostage to the belief that no celebrations are complete until a few rockets have been fired into the night sky.

Oishorjyo March 16, 2016

POV

Mumbai’s Strange New Year Tradition: Chokeslamming an Old Man’s Effigy and Setting Him Ablaze

As the end of 2019 is upon us, I think I’ll give year-end parties a miss. This year, I’ll go back to celebrating how we used to – by setting ablaze an effigy in the shape of an old dude and Santa’s mask, that represents the year gone by. This uniquely Mumbai-Goa tradition is our version of the Burning Man.

Jay Pikle March 15, 2016