From getting ready with siblings to helping with festive preparations at home, Sony SAB artists look back at their childhood Diwali celebrations

Diwali has always been a festival filled with family traditions, festive food, new clothes and memories that stay with us long after the celebrations are over. While the way people celebrate may change, childhood Diwali memories often hold a special place. This Diwali, Sony SAB artists Karuna Pandey, Mukul Harish, Vivana Singh and Jiten Lalwani revisit their fondest childhood memories and share the moments that made the festival special for them.

Karuna Pandey who essays Pushpa in Pushpa Impossible shared, “My childhood Diwali memories are very special because my father was in the defence forces so we celebrated the festival in different cities every few years. I remember decorating our homes with diyas and lights and we had so many guests visiting. My favourite part was bursting crackers and enjoying all the delicious food my mother prepared. As children, our biggest excitement was waiting for the puja to get over so we could finally enjoy the sweets and festive delicacies. Those celebrations with my parents and sister are memories I will always cherish.”

Mukul Harish who essays Tiger in Pushpa Impossible shared, “Diwali was and still is pure magic for me. I remember waking up early, wearing new clothes and attending the evening puja at home. One of my favourite memories was visiting my father's factory for a special Diwali puja with everyone. The place would be beautifully decorated and full of festive excitement. Of course, the best part was enjoying lots of sweets and lighting crackers. Nowadays, I am all about keeping the festive vibes high with lights and treats while going easy on the earth.”

Vivana Singh who essays Gandhari in Hastinapur Ke Veer shared, “One of my favourite childhood Diwali memories is getting ready with my sisters. We would help each other choose outfits, get dressed and borrow each other's jewellery to complete our looks. There was always so much excitement, laughter and a little bit of chaos while getting ready. Those moments of dressing up together and celebrating as a family are what I remember most fondly about Diwali.”

Jiten Lalwani, who essays Dronacharya in Hastinapur Ke Veer, shared, “I have fond memories of Diwali preparations at home, especially the cleaning. My mother would make sure I helped her clean and organise the house before the festival. At the time it felt like a big task but we would make it fun by doing it together. Looking back, those little moments of helping my mother prepare the house for Diwali have become some of my most cherished childhood memories.”