Diwali makes me revisit my childhood: Aahana Kumra

For Aahana Kumra, Diwali brings back some beautiful childhood memories. From decorating her house to making rangoli and going out shopping with parents, Aahana used to have a long to-do list almost a month before the festival.
The Lipstick Under My Burkha actor shares, “Every year, Diwali takes me back to my childhood and I feel nostalgic. One of my best memories is making rangolis and decorating my three-storeyed house with earthen diyas. My family would invest a lot of time in décor and it used to be the favourite time of the year for me. My sister and I would eagerly wait for the festival. I remember special homemade delicacies like gujiya and suran, which were a quintessential part of our Diwali dinner. Since I have a sweet tooth, food is another major reason why I love Diwali. Wearing new clothes and posing for a family photograph after the puja is a ritual in our family. Diwali celebrations at our Lucknow home will always remain etched in my heart.

Aahna Kumra

‘I love attending Diwali parties in Mumbai’
While she lives in Mumbai now with her family, Aahana misses her hometown Lucknow during festivals. She tells us, “I have some great memories of celebrating Diwali in Lucknow. I miss the nip in the air around this time. North India mein Diwali tak halki sardi hoti hai and I love winters. However, it feels great in Mumbai too, as I have a lot of industry friends and we start attending Diwali parties almost a month before the festival. People dress up, visit each other’s house, and have fun. Mumbai celebrates festivals in a carefree manner.”

She further adds, “This time, everyone is here (in Mumbai) and I am very relaxed, as I don’t have to take a break to go to Lucknow and rush back. My parents, sister, brother-in- law and nephew will celebrate the festival together. Also, I don’t want to miss out on the fun at Diwali parties in Mumbai. One gets to meet all the industry friends at one place. At times, there are three to four parties in a day and I struggle to attend all of them. But it’s so much fun to celebrate the festival with your friends and family and share the joy of togetherness. That’s the beauty of Indian festivals.”