What?s your Diwali drive?

City?s who?s-who no more believe in the BANG. But, they are ready to take a creative BREAK this Diwali. Some want to be on a cleanup mission. Some have joyous plans lined up with their families. But, there are many who are keeping cards close to their chest?

City’s who’s-who no more believe in the BANG. But, they are ready to take a creative BREAK this Diwali. Some want to be on a cleanup mission. Some have joyous plans lined up with their families. But, there are many who are keeping cards close to their chest…

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What’s on the cards?

NOW I have learnt how to play cards. So this year I shall participate in the cards party as well. I perform Diwali pujan in a traditional way and I want my children to learn it. Of course, traditional food shall be my hot choice. I am going to Mumbai to celebrate Diwali. I shall buy lots of stuff for home décor. Yes, I love to light up my home with earthen diyas and flowers.”

Abha Singh, director, Postal Services, Lucknow Circle.

Mission: Cleanup!

“First thing first. I go on a clean-my-house pre-Diwali spree. That’s my passion and mind you I won’t leave any corner undone. Cards and crackers are a big no-no. We set an example without bursting crackers. Crackers harm animals and environment alike.”

Eva Sharma, Director, Lucknow Zoo

With creative bang

I WISH to do something creative this Diwali. My family gets together for Diwali. It means puja and good food. We go on a shopping spree. It is the only time when we can gift something to our loved ones. One of my exhibitions just got over. So this is going to be a special Diwali for me.”

Rajivanayan Pandeya, Dean, Arts College

Candle light

“I will distribute candles, diyas and sweets to slum kids. I believe light should not only be lit in the houses but also in our hearts. This Diwali I shall go out and meet people besides doing traditional rituals like Laxmi Puja. There was a time when I used to love playing cards. I don’t burn crackers.

Dr Neelam Singh, gynaecologist, gender issues activist.

Keep it up, happily!

DIWALI IS a welcome festival. It chills us with joy gives us a wintry hug after a prolonged spell of sticky monsoon. We should keep up the happy tradition anduse the festival to clean our houses and surroundings, but no firecrackers at all. I also wish all our students, colleagues, employees and the citizen of this wonderful city a very happy Diwali.

LU V-C RP Singh

Joy to the world!

Around Diwali, bonhomie is in the air. Everything looks fresh and joyous as there is brightness all around. The festival provides me an opportunity to connect to my large family and catch up with friends and acquaintances alike. I love to purchase ethnic stuff and earthen lamps are a must buy. I love to send cards.

This Diwali my family is coming home. We would get a chance to be together. I will do my bit to bring a smile on faces of children of lesser God.

—JS Mishra, Principal Secretary,
Agriculture and Agriculture Education and Research.

I LOVE to splurge

Shopping and giving gifts gives me immense joy. I love crackers too but I dislike the bang-bang type. I spend lavishly on gifts and dresses. This year I will have a blast!

Dr Neeru Chauhan, Homeopath

Everyday is Diwali

I AM socially against Diwali for crackers and that involve child labour. Everyday is a festival. I stopped celebrating Diwali or any other festival after I became conscious. I am not religious and don’t perform rituals.

Social Worker, Magsaysay Winner, Sandeep Pandey