Diwali is that one time of year that manages to put a smile on almost every face. For those who are usually bogged down by everyday affairs — it’s a time we look forward to, a time to pull out those spectacular outfits in our closets and get together with friends and family for card parties.
According to celebrity designer Anoli Shah, who owns the label Maliha, card parties are just as much a part of Diwali as firecrackers and mithai. She says, “Whether you attend card parties just to watch or mean serious business, being dressed for the occasion makes all the difference. Anarkalis, pant-sarees, dhoti-pants, draped-kurtas and jumpsuits will definitely make heads turn. You can also choose a theme to make your party more happening — a Bollywood-themed Diwali card party can be so much fun! Just make sure you mention your theme and the dress code on your invite.” Another tip from the seasoned card-party host is to pick a theme décor that fit the festive season. “Since it is Diwali, your house should be basking in the light diyas. If you are hosting a theme party, it shouldn’t clash with your Diwali décor.”
For Delhi-based socialite Thenny Mejia, Diwali celebrations have already begun. She says, “I have already been to one Diwali party this year, and there are more to come over the next few days. I don’t play cards, so I look for other forms of entertainment. Most parties involve lots of catching up, dancing, and, of course, a selfie brigade. These days, women dress up in ethnic attire, jewelled to the teeth, and they make the most of the occasion by posting pictures of their looks on social media.”
Shagun Ali with Vidya Jain
Model and socialite Bandana Sondhi agrees that since Diwali is a festive occasion, it calls for a culturally appropriate dress-code. She says, “Indian suits and sarees with traditional jewellery are a must for any Indian festive occasion. If you’re planning a card party, make it more interesting by choosing an Indian theme with traditional decor like lights and flowers.”
You can also come up with clever ways to integrate traditional Diwali decorations with a modern party vibe. Switch up those diyas for fairy lights and lanterns that will give your home a charming look, and opt for colourful cushion covers. When it comes to picking a theme, the possibilities are endless.
Asha Esther Jaikishan, who heads fashion brand Numero Uno, points out that because of the back-to-back long weekends, Diwali has become a fortnight-long celebration this year. “This Diwali, we are planning a Bollywood-themed party for our friends and family. Guests can come dressed as any character. Apart from the usual card games, we have decided to add other indoor games like Uno and Monopoly to give the evening a casual game night feel,” she says.
And while women never give up an opportunity to dress up, designer Sunil Mehra thinks Diwali is the perfect time for men to experiment with their looks too. He says, “The biggest trends this Diwali are contemporary dressing, asymmetrical patterns, layering, overlapping, and gathering. If you’re a suit-wearing man, you can opt for a floral-patterned tuxedo or bandhgala, a jacquard print suit or a jersey with geometrical patterns. If you’re throwing a card party, you can choose a theme like Poker and Joker or Celebrating the Spades, which call for creative dressing. Themes like these can be interpreted in the form of Indian, western, contemporary or indo-western outfits. They allow people to break the monotony, ditch cliché shades and choose fancy colours that pop. Accessories like tie-and-dye stoles, cufflinks, handcrafted buttons, and colourful pocket squares can add to your look.”
