Their plans range from a 30-person get-together to a villa party, with each host bringing a spin on #GharwaliDiwali. Mithai, music and Indian outfits are familiar in a festive setting. But now, the guest list comes with introductions. Ahead of Diwali, residents of Delhi-NCR are signing up for community gatherings where they can arrive alone or bring a friend and spend the evening with people they haven’t met before. Organisers are equally excited fielding requests from newcomers to the Capital as those missing home are keen to join groups and meet new acquaintances.
From women-only get-togethers and queer community celebrations to ragers through the night, with introductions, games and performances to help guests get acquainted, here’s what’s on the cards for those wanting an intimate festive celebration. It’s like a homecoming of sorts, but amid strangers. For example, Khushi Ghai received requests for ForTheFew’s Diwali Sosha, including one from a man who runs an automobile business in Canada. She personally reviewed applications and addressed prospective guests’ concerns about attending solo. The programme included tambola, mithai pop-ups, and face- and hair-bedazzling.
Ghai, who runs the community on her own, says the event held on October 24 at Kailash Colony drew more than 500 sign-ups through its invitation request form.
Returning to India after a long time, he told her he hadn’t celebrated Diwali the traditional Indian way in years and wanted to feel at home again. “The ethnic dress code, traditional sweets, and Bollywood DJ brought that familiar, festive Diwali feeling, even for those who were away from home,” she says.
“Not everyone is comfortable going on a three- or four-day trip alone, so we started exploring shorter, one-day experiences where people can come for four to five hours, have fun and meet new people without making a big commitment. It began with the feeling of missing home during festivals, particularly among the queer who may not feel comfortable returning home.
“Somewhere along the way, people who entered my life as strangers became some of my biggest supporters,” says Archi Gupta, founder of Trails N Tales, who shares how bringing strangers together has a personal starting point. “So we thought, why not celebrate with our chosen family?” says Pranay Bhowmick, founder of The Ishq Collective’s Diwali Strangers Party, adding, “Most people joining us are solo queer folks, and allies are also welcome.”
Building her career, she found support from people she hadn’t previously known, and her travel community’s Diwali edition in Rohini offers a shorter introduction to that experience.
Bringing a mini-mela format to its women-only celebration, there’s also a programme in the city that combines bhajan clubbing and a dance hour with food and shopping. DJ set, dhol, food, drinks and games. What more does one need for Diwali? Well, actually, some warmth of known faces during festivities.
“The event also champions small businesses and women founders, who will set up their own stalls and spaces on the day,” says Manisha Kalra, founder, City Girls Delhi that is hosting Back to Classics Diwali.
