All characters mentioned in this list are in no way fictitious. Any resemblance to a person alive or dead is purely intentional. So go ahead and enjoy!
“Diwali is a festival of lights” we’ve all grown up listening to this patent dialogue but Diwali has a different meaning for each individual. We all have our ways of celebrating this festival and it’s surely more than a festival of “lights”. On this note, Shruti Barot lists the ten types of Diwali Deewanas, in a sense, the kinds of people who have their own ways of going crazy at Diwali.
1) The ‘Sweet-Tooth’ Deewana
There’s one in all of us, but for some, Diwali is all about karanji, motichoor laddu and chocolates. The thing that excites them the most are the packets of sweets they receive. They couldn’t care less about those extra kilos that come along with the sinful sugar attack. Who can resist a serving of Indian sweets soaking in desi ghee? They’re literally on a high while relishing these items of pleasure.
2) The ‘Shopaholic’ Deewana
What’s your best memory of Diwali? And all they can come up with is the gorgeous lehenga or that high end luxury car that they’ve bought for themselves. The sales and discounts during this festive season are nothing but devils hidden in an angel’s coat. Not only do they lure us, but we also end up buying something that was totally unplanned. During Diwali the shopaholics find it very difficult to control their urge to splurge. They save up the whole year round for their heavenly “diwali shopping” trip.
3) The ‘Hum saath saath hain’ Deewana
Haha! Nope. I’m not referring to the hilarious movie (it was hilarious, wasn’t it?) I’m talking about those who wait for the festive season to kick in to be able to meet the known faces, and at times the unknown ones too. Whilst others are busy with their own prep these are gearing up for the relatives, family gatherings, and get-togethers with neighbors and friends. Whether it means having guests over at your place or going over to someone else’s, these take the concept of ‘atithi devo bhava’ a tad too seriously.
4) The ‘Party all night’ Deewana
And then there’s this lot. Mostly comprising the sophisticated and the up market folks for whom Diwali means gearing up for the biggest party in town. They are least bothered about the customs and traditions of the season and are more interested in the guest list of the party. Their Diwali celebration is as good as a one night affair where they meet up the world, dance, eat and ‘celebrate’. Skipping their much awaited Diwali bash would mean the end of the world for them!
5) The ‘Art Attack’ Deewana
These are the poor souls caught up in the day to day routines, and whose idea of Diwali celebrations is the art that comes along with it. All year round you see them caught up in the rat race, but it’s only during this month that their inner creative self gets a boost. These are the ones to show oodles of creativity when it comes to making those extremely intricate rangolis and decorating the house with the prettiest of lights, diyas and garlands. (Psst… I’m talking through experience here!)
6) The ‘Virtual’ Deewana
Well, well, well, now there’s a new way of celebrating Diwali folks. It consumes the least amount of money, electricity, energy and also reaches out to the maximum. Wondering what that is? All it takes is some internet connectivity and a set of Google images and you kick start an amazing virtual Diwali. They are the first ones to upload their Diwali selfies, and forward Diwali messages to their entire contact list.
7) The ‘Vacation’ Deewana
The second the Diwali season hits these people are all ready with packed bags and they set out to an exotic island or a beach. They don’t care much about the place, Manali or Malaysia wouldn’t make much of a difference to them. All they are interested in is having a great time in a foreign land. The kids and parents have a yearly pact of discovering a new city come vacations and the tourism clubs just add to their benefit!
8) The ‘Puja Pundit’ Deewana
Our parents, grandparents and the ‘neighbor aunty’ are a part of this category. I agree, the pujas and the customs attached to it are an important aspect of Diwali and with these people around; you are sure not to miss out on it. They are very particular about the rituals related to pujas and the involvement of the entire family as well!
9) The ‘Fireworks’ Deewana
All the little kiddies form a part of this category. The cute angels are most excited about their share of anaar, ladi and chakli. For them Diwali is full of meeting up with their kiddie gang and having a blast (pun intended). Not forgetting the many adults who rediscover their childhood while being happily involved in the act of celebrating with fireworks as well.
10) The ‘All of the Above’ Deewana
They say you should save the best for the last and this is surely that category. There are these privileged lot who get to enjoy a little bit of everything. They’re equally interested in all aspects that come along with this festival. Be it the sweets, shopping, decorations, rituals or the guests; they are actively involved with everything. While we’re busy focusing on one part of the festivities these multitasking humans are juggling between two to three tasks at a time and are the ones to actually make the most of the festive season!
Feel free to remind me if I’ve left out any major Deewana type, intentionally or otherwise!
