SHADES OF FESTIVITY

FROM AUTHOR ANAND NEELAKANTAN TO CHEF KUNAL KAPUR, EIGHT EMINENT PERSONALITIES SHARE THEIR CHERISHED FESTIVE MEMORIES

- KUNAL KAPUR, BARRY O’BRIEN, ASHDEEN Z LILAOWALA, KUNZES ANGMO, ANAMIKA, SAMRAT BANERJEE, ANAND NEELAKANTAN, AVNER PARIAT

FESTIVALS USHER IN A SENSE OF RENEWAL.

Across most regions, it marks the beginning of a new season, the turning of time. And while it is about starting afresh, it is as much about pausing to share moments with loved ones that stay with us as memories. From Kunzes Angmo's Losar celebrations in Ladakh that remind her of how time and togetherness go hand-in-hand to Barry O'Brien's memories of Christmas in Calcutta in the 80s to chef Kunal Kapur's promise to carry on his mother's cooking traditions for Diwali, we bring you stories of cherished festive memories told by eight individuals from different walks of life and parts of India.

A CHEF'S DIWALI

Diwali holds a special place in my heart and it is when family takes centre stage in my life.

On the day of Diwali, our home would be adorned with decorations, and a lavish vegetarian feast would be the highlight. The days leading up to Diwali were equally enchanting. The whole house would come alive with the glow of diyas, with the bustling, brightly-lit markets adding to the festive fervour.

While I do enjoy non-vegetarian food, a day before Diwali and a few days after, our home transforms into a hub of vegetarian delights. My mother initiated the tradition of preparing multiple desserts at home, which I've continued through the years. It serves as a beautiful reminder of my childhood and the wonderful Diwali memories.