Rupali Ganguly shops for Diwali lanterns in Mahim’s Kandeel Galli

Mahim’s Kandeel Galli is where Rupali Ganguly says her Diwali lantern shopping begins. The actor visits local markets for kandeels, diyas and rangoli colours, calling the Mahim stop a personal festival tradition.

At home, she says Diwali means making rangoli, decorating the house, performing Lakshmi puja and sharing a meal with family, work schedules permitting. Her food memories include her mother’s karanjis, shankarpada and besan laddoos; she also recalled her son Rudransh’s first Diwali as especially memorable.

Ganguly said she has never liked loud crackers. “Diwali is a festival of lights, so why should it become a festival of noise?” she said, pointing to the distress noise can cause animals and birds, as well as elderly people and those who are unwell. She said she would rather light diyas and celebrate without adding to noise and pollution.

Her festive shopping advice: support local artisans when buying decorations and keep animals and birds in mind while celebrating.