Mumbaiites pick casinos over Diwali card parties

MUMBAI: When Worli resident Randhir Solanki (name changed) boards a flight to Macau on Sunday, his check- in baggage will also have his new tuxedos. The tuxedos were added to his Diwali shopping list at the last moment after an impromptu plan to visit casinos across Macau and Hong Kong during the holidays.

“Card parties are a common part of our Diwali celebrations. This time, we choose to do it differently after a friend landed a good group deal for these two destinations,” said Solanki, an independent fund manager.

After celebrating Lakshmi Puja at home, Solanki and his wife will set off for the gambling holiday with two other couples.

A number of such traditional Diwali card parties of Mumbaiites are being replaced by casino visits in India and abroad.

“Based on strong consumer demand, our Diwali packages revolve around top-notch casino destinations. This year, too, we have seen a 12% rise in demand for international destinations like Macau, Singapore, Genting Highlands (Malaysia) and new emerging options such as Malta,” said Shibani Phadkar, senior vice-president and head — leisure travel (outbound) products, contracting, operations & tour management, Thomas Cook (India) Ltd.

Operators said that while such holidays mainly comprise groups of men, they have also witnessed young couples flocking to casinos.

“The segment has witnessed up to 20% increase over last Diwali. Our Diwali packages to popular casino destinations such as Kathmandu are sold out,” said Sharat Dhall, president, Yatra.com. Citizens who want to complain about noise pollution, can SMS their complaints to: 7738 133 133/ 7738 144 144

HT PHOTO: SATISH BATE A girl plays with sparklers at Girgaum on Saturday.