Diwali 2025: Last-minute prep tips for an iconic house party

If Diwali is the season of excess Prabhati Rathi is the kind of hostess who believes in going gloriously overboard For the 28yearold Mumbai content creator a party isnrsquot a party until itrsquos got a theme a twist and at least one completely unhinged idea that turns into an Instagram reel by morningRathi also known as winechai__ on Instagram is fast becoming the apprsquos resident ldquoparty architectrdquo Shersquos thrown a murder mystery evening complete with crimescene decor a DIY art night where everyone left with a painting and even ran a popup cafeacute from her home for her birthday ldquoI love spending time with my friends but I donrsquot just want to sit around gossiping anymore I like parties that make people do thingsrdquoPICPINTERESTdhaara and PICPINTERESTSiffa NooraniHer parties are pure Pinterest fever dreams but how did the idea come to her ldquoI think it started when I did a home wedding of sorts earlier this yearrdquo she recalls ldquoWe had a mix of Catholic and Hindu traditions mdash feras vows even a priest played by a friend It was my first go at creating a theme from scratchrdquoSince then shersquos been building an aesthetic for parties that become memories mdash the kind you look back on fondly for their madness not their perfection And for those still scrambling to plan something festive Rathirsquos idea for a lastminute Diwali house party proves that all you need are friends a sense of humour and some mastiPICPINTERESTRashi Malhotra right Herersquos some inspo for design and decor of Rathirsquos Pinterestinspired Diwali party PICPINTERESTVani SinghldquoI know Diwali parties in Mumbai are usually about taash playing cards But Irsquom terrible at gamblingrdquo Despite the nopoker policy she insists that a little competition is essential to keep the energy aliveldquoWhen guests arrive theyrsquoll pick a chit and get sorted into two teams Team Kaju Katli versus Team Soan Papdirdquo she grins ldquoI donrsquot know whorsquoll willingly pick Soan Papdirdquo Each team brings a signature mithai to stock up the dessert table creating a sugary battlefield and saving you from the hassle of arranging that Diwali essential mithaiPrabhati RathiThe decor is a nod to the taash tradition without the gambling kingandqueen motifs on invites playing card coasters scattered across tables and strings of fairy lights shaped like diamonds and hearts ldquoI still want that feeling of Diwali glitzrdquo she says ldquoIt looks lavish even if yoursquove pulled it together at the last minuterdquoIf the food is all about rivalry the drinks are about reckless unity ldquoEveryone brings their own poison mdash wine rum juice anything mdash and we mix it all to make one giant punch bowlrdquo says Rathi ldquoOnce everyone adds their ingredient we drink it together no matter how good or bad it turns outrdquoThe first party that Prabhati Rathi ever organised was shaadithemedShe swears by this idea for a spontaneous gettogether ldquoItrsquos such a good idea for throwing a lastminute partyrdquo she adds ldquoNo one stresses about what to bring for the host mdash plus it saves the host from juggling a bunch of flower bouquets midparty trying to find vases for them allrdquo The real heart of Rathirsquos parties lies in the games ldquoThe concept is loosely inspired by Koffee with Karanrdquo she says Her version is called Party with Prabhati mdash a Diwalicoded talk showmeetsgames night Guests divided into their mithai teams battle through Bollywood rapid fire rounds rsquo90s jingle guessing games and ldquoeven those chaotic Instagram challenges like Atka Matka Latka Jhatkardquo she laughsBut the highlight of the night is an activation rule ldquoEvery time someone says the word Diwali everyone has to do three thumkasrdquo she laughs ldquoWhoever forgets their team loses a point Itrsquos silly but it keeps everyone on their toesrdquoAs for her own plans ldquoIrsquom heading home to Rajasthanrdquo she says ldquoBut this idea is making me think Maybe I should host a Diwali party soonrdquo she laughs Because if therersquos one thing Rathi proves itrsquos that the best parties arenrsquot about months of prep mdash theyrsquore about spirit spontaneity and friends willing to do a thumka on cue