To me, Diwali means celebration, get-togethers, delicious food, and prayers to thank God for abundance and growth,” says actor Jasmine Bhasin, who was recently seen in the Punjabi film, Ardaas Sarbat De Bhale Di.

Having grown up in Kota (Rajasthan), Bhasin, who now lives in Mumbai, shares that Diwali evokes nostalgia: “I grew up in a joint family. Every year was so much fun with family vacations, new clothes, and everyone playing specific roles in the celebration. My chachas would get the patakhas. It’s something I really miss.”

Ask about her Diwali plans and the 34-year-old says, “It is one of my favourite festivals. My mum is visiting me from Kota because she knows I feel sad and alone on Diwali. So, I’m looking forward to celebrating at home with my mom, friends, and family, including Aly (Goni, actor-boyfriend).” She adds that she plans to host a Diwali dinner for close friends and savour her mother’s homemade mithai.

Is she excited about attending industry Diwali parties as well? “Even though we (Aly and Jasmine) have been together for a long time, we’ve never really attended Diwali parties together because of my travel schedule. This year, we plan to attend all our friends’ Diwali parties and not miss any celebrations,” she says.