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We tracked down our top picks for local celebs to see what they got up to this year.

Diwali in 2020 has seen a massive change, with gatherings kept minimal and most festivities coming to a halt for the first time in history. Things have never been more different. The spirit of Diwali has always been to stay social and in touch and what better way to celebrate this week than to have a look at what our favourite Asian celebs have done for Diwali this year. We tracked down our top picks for local celebs to see what they got up to this year. 

Aly Khan Sorathia- TV and radio personality
Diwali has been a special occasion for me ever since I was a small boy living in Eldoret. We used to buy firecrackers and burst them as a family. My favourite were always the Tom Toms and Pop Pops. As I got older, I stopped bursting crackers for environmental and social reasons and would use the money I would get to bring the light to someone else and this year it wasn’t any different. As a family we tried to reach out in our very small way to bring light to others and I urge you to do the same when celebrating the occasion each year.

Sarit Shah – Top Asian DJ
In a normal year, Diwali would be a time where communities, friends and family would get together to party and make merry. DJs would be performing for events back to back as it is the norm in the industry. But 2020 has been a difficult year for artists and creative freelancers. While Covid-19 is completely crushing our music industry’s live business, it can never destroy it. Our love for music and our need to perform will prevail. However, on the bright side, since it is not normal for DJs, especially in Nairobi, to get an opportunity like this to spend a holiday like Diwali with family and friends, I would like to let everyone in the industry know that, let us learn something from this; We are always performing for, and entertaining our clients at the cost of spending these precious moments with our close ones. This year, I feel my Diwali has been one to remember as I finally spent it with my friends, family and loved ones.

Nikita Gurnani- Celebrity make up artist
There are many people around the world who have been separated from their family due to the restrictions and lockdown. However, I am lucky enough to be with my husband and son, this made me still feel enthusiastic about the festival. This year we dressed up, home cooked our favourite cuisines and celebrated together as a family. To make it even more special, Will decorated our house with lights and Rangoli which helped us to celebrate from the comfort of our home. Last but not least, I am so happy that there were no fireworks this Diwali. No fireworks means less pollution (both noise and environment) and happy pets, like my puppy Loki, who fears the loud sounds caused by fireworks. Wishing everyone a Happy Diwali and a prosperous New Year!

Darshni Panchal - Drive time radio presenter at Sound Asia FM
Amidst the current pandemic situation, Diwali is a festive celebration which symbolizes victory of light over darkness. I am celebrating Diwali with my family, making it brighter by lighting diyas and lanterns at home. May this light of positivity reach to your homes and families. Wishing you a safe and happy Diwali with lots of mithai!

Kamal Kaur- Media personality, artist and influencer
Annually, Diwali Celebrations are very low-key for me. Sikhs don’t celebrate Diwali as the Hindus do, but it’s nice to have the family get together and enjoy a meal. This year has been even more low-key as the entire family was safely sitting at home. We celebrated from the comfort of our homes. We remain grateful that in these trying times we are able to safely isolate and stay indoors. Give a thought to the less fortunate and instead of buying firecrackers, perhaps feed a hungry mouth. Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating.