MIND YOUR DIWALI ETIQUETTES!

From recycling gifts to gate-crashing a Diwali party, here is a list of thing you should avoid to happily celebrate the festival of light

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s that time of the year when your distant family cousins become your best friends; and nothing holds you back from devouring desi ghee ladoos. However, there are certain things people do during Diwali which exasperate us to the point of exploding. Here’s what to avoid to enjoy the festival in its true spirit.

Recycling gifts: We all play merry-go-round when it comes to gifting. Think how you will feel when you get back the same set of cutlery that you yourself gifted your lovely neighbour. If you have to recycle, don’t get caught. At least, remove the name tag and change the packaging.

The text message flood:

“May Diwali bring you happiness and prosperity”. Yup, we get the meaning of this text message but can you get more boring than this? Call your loved ones as calls always have a personal touch. Oh, by the way, when you forward that message, don’t forget to remove the name of the person who originally sent it to you.

Gate-crashing: Who doesn’t love gate crashing? The kebabs and free-flowing wine make it irresistible. However, don’t be that guy who tags along and shamelessly eats all the burfis. This time, make

yourself available for the parties you were actually invited for.

Homemade casino:

This is the season when your home turns into your personal casino. However, there is always that one person who bets big at the card party and ends up losing all. Don’t be that guy who cribs all night about losing big, instead stay away from cards. Also, if you are at a house party, remember nobody likes a tipsy guest.

All that gold is not glitter

While we love to dress up, don’t go overboard with bling, else you might end up merging with the decorations, and your family members will have a hard time recognizing you. They might just light you up like a sizzling cracker.

The most annoying thing on Diwali is the invasion of privacy. Guests show up unannounced at your house and you’re not even dressed properly to receive them

Sunil Sethi, president, FDCI Every time you go to a party, there is always that one person who stuffs food in your mouth. Celebration time doesn’t mean you should force feed people Nida Mahmood, designer People should stop tagging us in those over the top Facebook statuses! Also, rather than recycling text messages, just call and wish Manish Mehrotra, chef I hate it when people force you to have a drink even when you insist that you don’t drink and drive Papa CJ, comedian

PHOTO: ISTOCK