This will be my last Dhanteras at home before wedding: Alisha Prajapati

This is my last Dhanteras and Diwali at home,” says Alisha Prajapati, her voice tinged with happiness and nostalgia in equal proportions, as she readies to wed her fiancé Kush Shah soon. “The excitement at home is tangible – the laughter, the celebrations, and the joy all around make it magical. I’ll spend the festival with my family in Ahmedabad, while Kush is in the US and will be celebrating with his friends. Though apart, I am happy that we are sharing the same festive spirit, counting down together to all the celebrations ahead.”

On Dhanteras, the actress decked up in a beautiful traditional ensemble for a special shoot, and shared the rituals she follows on Dhanteras, why it is more special this year, and more.



‘We do the coin and on Dhanteras’

During these festive days, lighting diyas and decorating the house is something I look forward to every year. I also love making a rangoli using colours and fresh flowers; it fills the home with joy and energy. On Dhanteras, we have a ritual where we clean all our coins with water and panchamrut, then do a puja of the coins and gold we already have before performing Lakshmi puja. Every year, we buy at least a small ring or something symbolic. I have always believed that it’s never about the size of the purchase, but about the blessings and memories behind it.



‘Dhanteras shopping this year is very emotional this year’

My Dhanteras shopping since the last two years has been very special. Last year, we started buying gold for my wedding, and it felt so emotional – my mom and I picking pieces together, laughing and getting teary at the thought of a new beginning. This year, it is extra special because my wedding is just around the corner. It’s naturally merging with our wedding shopping, probably a few gold bracelets or pieces meaningful for the ceremonies. It feels like a blessing that both celebrations are flowing into each other, and since it’s my last Diwali at home, I want to cherish every little moment and memory before stepping into this new chapter.

‘Important for women to make their own investments on Dhanteras’

I believe it’s very important for every woman to have something truly of her own. And Dhanteras is the perfect day to begin. Having some investment of your own is more than ownership for women – it’s independence, security, and brings a sense of self-worth. Watching my mom make her own choices around finances has always inspired me, and I want to carry that same feeling of empowerment in my life.

For me, dhan goes far beyond gold or materialistic things. As an artiste, it’s about being surrounded by creativity, inspiration, and opportunities that help me grow. But personally, it’s about family, their happiness, health, and togetherness

Alisha adds, "I plan to wear a traditional suit or sari for the puja, likely in a bright festive shade like rani pink or coral. Dressing up in Indian wear during this season is something I enjoy. On Bestu Varas, we’ll visit our native village, Salal, to seek blessings from our goddess and then meet relatives and close friends after returning home."