Deepavali traditions in Chennai shift from firecrackers to home decorations
Residents in Chennai are increasingly adopting new festive aesthetics and hosting parties as traditional celebrations evolve, according to The New Indian Express.
Deepavali celebrations in Chennai are transitioning from a focus on firecrackers and traditional snacks to a trend of home decorations and lights, according to The New Indian Express.
While traditional celebrations involved waking up early, wearing new clothes, and eating homemade snacks like adhirasam and murukku, many residents now use marigold garlands and fairy lights to decorate homes and balconies.
Primary school teacher Divya said she does not feel the pressure of making sweets, which requires being alone in the kitchen for hours, and instead chooses to decorate the house with her husband and children.
Customer success specialist Priyanka said she is influenced by online aesthetics and is hosting a party, which she noted is a North Indian concept, to honour her late grandfather.
Retired engineer S Kanna said his family began putting up string lights to signal celebrations to students who stayed on the IIT Madras campus during the festival.
Kanna, who also organises stalls for neighbours to enjoy food and music, said he does not decorate for social media or aesthetics but to bring people together.
Kanna added that today's generation often prefers going to theatres or ordering food over bursting crackers due to restrictions and changing preferences.