DIWALI | A time of togetherness in which I attempt to not burn myself while lighting a billion diya’s, ensure that there are not two dirty articles of clothing in the laundry hamper (current raging status in my household), prepare myself for some killer hefty calories, anticipate for the hour my brother and I can blow up firecrackers in milk jugs, allow my Godzilla mother to yell at me and apologize after we are done slaving away in the kitchen tonight and most importantly spending some real quality time with my dearest family and friends in hopes for a joyous, vivid and wonderful new year ahead. Oh how I love Diwali and before I go scrub the damn brown off my hard-wood floors, I must share with all of you 5 festive things to do this on this prosperous holiday.

It doesn’t feel like Diwali until I spoil and treat the empowering women in my household with little knick knacks to be worn on the day of our prayers and festivities. I was a bit bias on the decision of gifting some beautiful jewelry/accessories this year as the Bajirao Mastani (most anticipated Bollywood flick of 2015) official posters of B-town’s lady loves released last weekend and I am simply OBSESSED with the heavy ethnic influence of our dominating culture and beauty – the accessories are everything. AND all thanks to Bombay Couture‘s truly ethereal and timeless holiday/winter wedding selection of novelty accessories; I am currently the favored and favourited child in the fam jam. Above are some of my current fancied pieces from the luxury local Indian boutique.

Sweating up a storm in the kitchen to prepare sweet and sour treats with momma bear the night prior to Diwali is forever a tradition and every year my friends and family look forward to savouring as much as I look forward to making my ‘Festive Peda’. I was taught this recipe from my grandma ages ago and simply because I add in my personal touch of garnishes – M&M or Smarties; these little drops of heaven are always a great hit and I for one enjoy making them just that much more. AND now for some real talk: they cost less then $20, under 30 minutes to prepare and require no real baking or cooking.

This festive holiday season we are in for a special treat as the infamous character of Prem – Salman Khan makes his comeback in a Rajshri production with the radiant Sonam Kapoor in the must-watch family entertainer. Definitely looking forward to catching this film with the entire fam jam this Diwali weekend AND oh.em.gee I am IN LOVE with the cheese ball fest of a title track that takes me down memory lane to the late 90’s. (Sonam Kapoor is of course a visual treat for all our peepers and I am so proud of myself for mastering her phenomenal hip gesture at 0:38 seconds ha-ha!)

Whether it be painting your own Diya’s, making Rangoli with your bhabi or ensembling together cute centerpieces; a DIY for Diwali is the BEST sneaky tactic in having the family willingly contribute and effortlessly spend some quality time together. I came across this glass chudiyaan centerpiece DIY project on Pinterest few years ago and I am completely envious of Raj Thandi’s gorgeous centerpiece on her blog this year! How stunning and beautifully lit are they?! Image Courtesy: Pink Chai Living

Do I really need to write an essay on why we should dress to the nines or even tens with our closest family, friends in which we stuff our faces, exchange our warm wishes and come together in unity to celebrate a remarkable new year ahead… Treat it as a grand celebration and don’t forget to complement every single person and tell them how amazing they truly look.

AND before I sign off … Wishing all of you a very Happy Diwali and a successful, peaceful and healthy new year ahead! Xo.