German embassy's green Diwali: No crackers here, only Diwali cheer

Rangolis, twinkling lights, diyas and a tilak ceremony welcomed guests at the German embassy’s annual Diwali party on Monday, which was a blast despite the absence of crackers. On a packed lawn, German Ambassador Dr Martin Ney stood smiling. “It is my fourth Diwali here and this one is the most memorable one. Everything has been done up nicely,” he told us, and left soon after for the Polish National Day celebrations.
Unlike every year, this year, the party was cracker-free.“We have been hosting Diwali parties for 16 years. This year, our Diwali is eco-friendly. We made it a point to not use crackers and only use diyas.” said Parvesh Kapur, protocol advisor and representative of the local staff, who also organised the do. After the lamp-lightening ceremony, women in saris, lehengas and anarkalis performed a perfectly-choreographed garba, which was followed by a jam between dhols and the DJ as the dance floor was thrown open. “I love the vibes in Delhi right now. Everything is so festive and lit up. This party is amazing. It is my first Diwali party,” said Eddie Hoeck, an attaché at the embassy.
Adjacent to the lawn was an enclosure where women were getting their mehendi done. The mehendiwallahs, a regular at the party, were called from Mayur Vihar. “The party has just started, aur humne 40 logon ko mehendi laga di hai already,” said Narendra. Luisa, who was getting her mehendi done, told us, “I’ve never had a chance to attend an Indian wedding. So I never got mehendi. Now, I’m loving it.” She stood out in an attractive lehenga, which she finds more comfortable than a sari. “Lehengas are easier. I found this fabric in old Delhi and got it tailor-made for myself. Old Delhi is very vibrant and colourful,” she said.

UDI UDI JAYE! Luisa
While the dance floor was packed, Helene, who was eight-months pregnant and wearing an anti-pollution mask, was killing it with her belly-dance moves. After dancing to her heart’s content, she told us, “I’ve been dancing since I was 14.” When the conversation moved to her mask, she said, “Diwali is going to be very bad in terms of air quality. I’m pregnant and I have two kids, so I have to be extra careful. This (mask) might look stupid right now, but I think it’s worth it.”

Stephan Lanzinger, Science Counselor at the embassy, with wife Helene. The pregnant Helene wore an anti-pollution mask to be “extra careful”

NACHANGE SAARI RAAT: Expats danced their hearts out at the party

BOOTH TIME: (L-R) Tsedale, Eddie Hoeck and Wencke

FLOWER POWER: Ralph

MEHENDI SHENANIGANS: Alex and Theresa