How to Survive the Relatives Visiting Your Home During Diwali

Diwali is just around the corner, and while the festive spirit fills the air, so does the arrival of relatives and in-laws. The thought of having your loved ones around might bring a warm glow to your heart, but you can’t deny the inevitable chaos of hosting a houseful of guests.

And I think, in my case, every Diwali is full of such memories and anecdotes with my family and friends. It feels like “I’m the chosen one” for all the Diwali chaos there is in the universe. And believe me, most of the time – it’s because of my relatives.

Therefore, every year I come up with a brilliant plan to survive the relative’s journey to our home. However, it is different that it all goes in vain at the end of the day. But I think I must share those tactics with you all, maybe, just maybe, it’ll work for you if you’re in the same place as me.

Some of My Diwali Mishaps

I remember last to last year my parents hosted Diwali for the extended family. My mother, a perfectionist to the core, had spent weeks planning and decorating the house. However, the universe had other plans.

As the guests arrived, the doorbell rang constantly, I don’t remember exactly if the doorbell had gone mad or otherwise. And then, my aunt (can’t tell her name, surely she’s reading this), known for her clumsiness, tripped over a stray diya, sending a cascade of oil and glitter across the newly polished floor.

This doesn’t stop here, my cousin, a mischievous six-year-old, decided to experiment with the diyas, turning the living room into a smoky haze. So, It was quite a Diwali celebration that year.

On another Diwali, my brother, tasked with lighting the diyas, got a little overzealous, creating a miniature fireworks display in the living room.

One year, my family decided to deep clean the house before Diwali, vowing to leave no stone unturned. We moved furniture, pulled out appliances, and even tackled the dreaded attic.

However, the ambitious cleaning spree resulted in a layer of dust settling everywhere, making the house look dirtier than before. I was happy that my parent yelled at me and my brother that day for no reason 🙂

And then one Diwali, my cousin got so excited during the puja that he accidentally knocked over a bowl of holy water. It splashed all over my grandmother’s antique rug, and we watched in horror as she yelled, “The spirits are not going to be happy about this!”

The Art of Survival

So, how do you survive the relatives and in-laws visiting your home during Diwali?

Tip 1. Remember, the relative invasion is temporary

They will eventually pack their bags, return to their homes, and leave you to your peaceful existence. Until then, take solace in the fact that you are not alone. Every family goes through this Diwali ritual, and we all come out stronger (or at least more resilient) on the other side.

Tip 2. Designate a “safe zone”

Create a quiet corner in your home where you can escape the festivities for a few minutes of peace and solitude.

Tip 3. Master the Art of Nodding and Smiling

When you have no idea what your great-uncle is talking about, just nod and smile knowingly. Who knows, he might be discussing ancient Sanskrit poetry or just giving you directions to the nearest grocery store. Nodding works either way.

Tip 4. Keep a “Random Trivia” Notebook

Create a notebook filled with random trivia and facts. Whenever a conversation takes an awkward turn, casually interject with a bizarre fact like, “Did you know honey never spoils?”

Tip 6. Invest in a noise-canceling headset.

For those moments when the conversations get too loud or the opinions too strong, having a noise-cancelling headset handy can be a lifesaver.

[Please note none of these has worked for me, they always overpowered my ideas]

To be honest, despite the chaos and mishaps, Diwali is a time for celebration and togetherness. So, when your relatives and in-laws descend upon your home this Diwali, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the ride. After all, it’s the memories we create that make Diwali truly special.

[I have to say this at the end, you might know why]

So, take a deep breath, put on a smile, and enjoy all the quirks and chaos. After all, it’s a Happy Diwali!

This Diwali, give the gift of inspiration – ‘Unfold the Stories of Unsung Heroes‘ awaits you!