Ishita Dutta Shares Childhood Diwali Memories and Guides Kids

In a candid interview, Ishita Dutta recalled the many Diwali memories that shaped her. From cooking coconut laddu with her mother to drawing rangoli with rice paste, each element holds a special place in her heart.

This year, Dutta repeats those rituals in her Mumbai home. The family wakes early, exchanges Diwali wishes, and prepares homemade sweets together. A brief Lakshmi puja is conducted, after which diyas are lit outside the house, a practice that begins a few days before the festival.

Rangoli-making has shifted over the years. Previously, a soaked‑rice paste was mixed with water and brushed onto the floor to form a white motif against a dark backdrop. Nowadays, the family opts for fresh flower arrangements, a change that makes the activity more inclusive for the kids.

Beyond the celebrations, Dutta emphasises the deeper values Diwali teaches—honesty, compassion and the triumph of good over evil. She wants her children to internalise these lessons and continue the customs, ensuring that the festival remains a time for family togetherness and cultural continuity.