With a lit rangoli and dazzling golden lights adorning her residence in Mumbai, Janhvi Kapoor is all set to celebrate Diwali today. Looking resplendent in a bright pattu pavadai dhavani (silk half-saree), the actor chats with us about what this festival means for the Kapoors.

“I have grown up in a household where traditions have been a big part of our family and our lives. My mum (late actor Sridevi) always enjoyed decorating the house on this day. We would have a Diwali puja, on Ganesh Chaturthi, we would always meet as a family; and Karwa Chauth is a big [celebration], too,” shares the 26-year-old, who was last seen in Bawaal. She adds, “I feel all this has been inculcated in me by my mother. She was quite a religious person. And I think my investment in all these traditions makes me feel closer to mum (smiles).”

Besides rituals, indulging in good food is also a big part of the Kapoor khandaan’s Diwali celebrations! “There’s always a Diwali dinner at my dadi’s house. There is amazing food, the entire house is decorated with lights and the entire family gets dressed and meets to have a good time together,” says Janhvi.

The Good Luck Jerry (2022) actor goes on to explain how they spend the day. “There is a puja that happens during the day at either our office or home. For that, I had always seen mum wear a traditional pattu saree, while we (sister, actor Khushi Kapoor and she) would wear pattu pavadai. For dinner, we would dig into pulao and rajma at dadi’s house, which are the Kapoor khandaan [festive] delicacies. I might have missed the dinner at times, but I have never missed the puja,” she ends.