Dim Diwali

No boisterous parties, no ostentatious display of wealth and very little gambling. Air kissing, social networking and revelries will take a backseat this Diwali as the glitterati of Kolkata settle for a muted Diwali.

The glitterati of Kolkata have chosen to keep things quiet this Diwali

No boisterous parties, no ostentatious display of wealth and very little gambling. Air kissing, social networking and revelries will take a backseat this Diwali as the glitterati of Kolkata settle for a muted Diwali. 8220;How can we celebrate during such dismal times? With Singur and the slump in market, there is very little to celebrate this year,8221; says Arijit Dutta, film distributor and owner of the Priya Cinema. Usually Dutta and his friend are flooded with Diwali party invitations this time of the year but this year things are different. 8220;I have hardly received any invitations. Not many people are in the mood to celebrate it seems,8221; says fashion designer Agnimitra Paul. While many have cancelled their Diwali parties, others have chosen to keep it a small affair.

The celebrations at the Russi Mody household too will be a muted affair. 8220;I will host a few friends for dinner and then we will burst some crackers. No gambling for us this year,8221; says Mody. Recession, the Singur imbroglio and the rains have dimmed this year8217;s celebrations considerably. Gambling, which is an essential part of any Diwali celebration will be little more than a necessary evil at most dos this year. 8220;Generally, people gamble like crazy during Diwali. But I plan to stay away from gambling this season. In fact, my husband and I have decided to spend a night away from the celebrations at the Tollygunge Club this Diwali,8221; says Rita Bhimani, corporate public relations expert, and one of the city8217;s most prominent socialites.

The scene was quite to the contrary last Diwali, when Bhimani rushed from one party to another. 8220;Generally we don8217;t have the time to settle down in one party. Even before we finish a drink in one, it8217;s time to leave for another party. People would party till wee hours of the morning,8221; adds Bhimani. People are most likely to call it a night early this year. 8220;It is almost vulgar to celebrate at a time when so many people have made such huge losses,8221; sums up Dutta.