From lighting diyas and bursting crackers to dressing up, making reels and reimagining traditions, Gen Z is finding its own way to celebrate Diwali. We speak to four prominent young Bengaluru achievers making a mark in their respective fields – cue sports champ Natasha Chetan, Tanmay Gururaj, actor and model Jerusha Christopher, and model and go-karting racer Aanya Kholay – about their favourite festive memories, family traditions and what the festival of lights means to them today.Diwali is a time when homes light up, families come together and festive plans take over conversations. For Gen Z, however, the celebrations also come with a few personal twists. For our special Diwali cover shoot, we caught up with model and go-karting racer Aanya Kholay, singer and music composer Tanmay Gururaj, actor and model Jerusha Christopher, and cue sports champion Natasha Chetan. From favourite Diwali memories and family rituals to festive fashion and changing traditions, they share what makes the festival special to them.Aanya Kholay, Model and go-karting racer ‘Diwali is all about bringing people together’For Aanya, Diwali is a festival that brings people closer, irrespective of how differently they celebrate it. “Besides being a significant festival that represents our culture and traditions, Diwali really means bringing people together. That’s something timeless. When I think of India and our culture, I think of festivals like Diwali. There’s so much life, light and happiness around them,” she says.While dressing up and sharing festive moments on social media are part of the celebrations, Aanya believes the people one celebrates with matter just as much. “Of course, there’s getting ready, posting on social media and feeling connected through clothing and the way you celebrate, but it’s also about the people you celebrate with,” she says. Aanya believes Gen Z is finding its own way to keep traditions alive. “What I love about Gen Z is that we prioritise fun. Diwali is one time when we are reminded of our roots. We are continuing and preserving our traditions, but in a modern way. I think that’s beautiful,” she adds.Tanmay Gururaj, singer and music composer‘My mother lights hundreds of diyas at home’For Tanmay, Diwali brings back memories of a beautifully illuminated home, thanks to his mother’s love for decorating with diyas. “My mother completely decorates the house with diyas. She’ll light hundreds of them and switch off all the lights. I have never enjoyed fire crackers because my ears are important to me as a musician. I don’t want to risk them,” he says. Like many, he misses the long Diwali holidays he enjoyed as a child. “Earlier, we used to get long vacations during Diwali. Now, with work, that’s reduced to just two days. I’ve been working and releasing music, so I haven’t had much time with my family,” he shares.Tanmay also finds the younger generation’s creative approach to celebrating festivals exciting. “Now I’m also seeing people making Diwali transition reels. Even my songs are being used for some of these reels. As an artiste, I feel happy about that. People want to enjoy their lives, make reels and share their happiness. At the end of the day, the main thing is enjoyment,” he says.Jerusha Christopher, Model, theatreperson, actor‘Diwali means karaoke, dancing and family time for me’Diwali has always been about family gatherings rather than elaborate celebrations, says Jerusha. “We do a once-a-year thing for Diwali. We go to my aunt’s place, do a puja, chill, sing songs, karaoke and then end up dancing for hours. It’s got to be getting together with my family,” she explains.Dressing up is another part of the festivities she enjoys, and getting ready comes with a ritual of its own. “I can’t live without my music. Before getting ready, I need my filter coffee, my music and some snacks. I play some chatpate gaane, put on my lip gloss and feel like one diva. It’s very therapeutic for me,” she laughs.Natasha Chetan, Cue sports champ‘I miss Diwali when I’m away from home’With sporting commitments taking her across the world, Natasha knows what it feels like to miss Diwali at home. “Growing up, Diwali was always something to look forward to. The preparations would start and the family would get together. That hasn’t really changed. But now, because I travel all over the world for events, if I’m not home for Diwali, I certainly miss it. Wherever I am, I try to celebrate some aspect of being Indian,” she says.For Natasha, celebrating traditions also means having the freedom to question them. She believes the younger generation can embrace its cultural roots while re-examining practices it does not agree with. “Our generation is questioning aspects of our culture and traditions that deserve scrutiny. We are embracing the parts of our country and culture that we enjoy, while questioning and not actively participating in the parts we don’t agree with. It’s important to stand up for what you believe in and enjoy whatever comes your way,” she adds.
