The first celebration is always the best and most memorable. As newly-wedded couples from the city gear up to celebrate the festival of lights with great gusto, we speak to them on their sparkling plans this Diwali.
Zulfi and Sheena celebrate their first Diwali together
For celeb couple Sheena Verma and model Zulfi Syed who tied the knot this year, it’s going to be a chilled out and peaceful Diwali at the Anjuna beach in Goa. Zulfi says, “After Diwali tomorrow, we both get back to work as I’m in the final stages of launching Café Lambretta at the Anjuna beach in Goa. I’m shuttling between Bengaluru, Mumbai and Goa these days. During the week, I will be in Bengaluru and Sheena will go to Mumbai to celebrate Diwali with her parents.”
Actress Esha Deol and Bharat Takhtani, who got married this year, are going all out with their family celebrations. Esha says, “On our first Diwali, there will be a puja followed by a feast with the whole family. We are not going to burst crackers.”
Newlyweds Akshar and Nishita Peerbhoy, who tied the knot last year, are looking forward to their most cherished gift this Diwali. “We are expecting a baby soon. This being the first Diwali after being married, celebrations will consist of dinners with family, drinking sessions with friends, sweets, watching people lose money over teen patti, staying away from crackers and most importantly lighting up my house with diyas in preparation for the puja. Also, now being married means more work for a brighter future,” says Akshar of Maa Communications.
Swati Gupta of Bodycraft who recently tied the knot with Sidharta Viswanath says, “Diwali is definitely a big deal for us and the whole family. It is, in fact, one of our biggest festivals and it’s about parties, get-togethers and taash. This festival brings together family and friends.
“Tomorrow evening, we will be performing the puja at all our centres, followed by a puja at home. This year, since it’s my first Diwali after my wedding, I will be doing puja in both my houses, with my parents and my husband where we will pray for love, happiness and positive vibes in our homes. We have already bought new clothes, jewellery and have planned a special festive feast.”
Daughter of Uday Garudachar, owner of Garuda Malls, Prerana who also works with her dad is excited forms and sizes of diyas. She says, “My husband Abhijit Harnahalli is a busy advocate and both of us have had a really hectic working week, so we are looking forward to catch up on a Diwali holiday. It’s my first Diwali with his family after our wedding, so we are hosting a grand feast. We’re going eco friendly and aren’t bursting crackers, but will be doing our Laxmi puja and have invited friends and family over for dinner.”
Wedding celebrations will shift to Diwali celebrations for the just-married couple Dr Chytra and Ajay . “Our celebrations with our friends have already start ed with cards parties; black jack and teen patti. Ajay is a fab cook and has paneer flown in from Delhi, so he is going to cook and we will have a few close friends over for a meal. I have a lot of clothes from the trousseau that I am able to use, than God for Diwali. Our main festival is on 14th, which we shall celebrate in Mysore with our family. In the morning, we have an oil bath, followed by lowed by lighting of lamps, puja and bursting fire works.”
source: http://www.DeccanChronicle.com / Home> Tabloid> Bengaluru / by Namita Gupta, DC, Bangalore / November 12th, 2012
