Ishita Dutta on Diwali traditions: teaching kids rangoli, puja and mithai
Synopsis
Ishita Dutta's Diwali isn't about spectacle — it's about a soaked-rice rangoli paste, Naryal ka Laddu, and a Kali Puja visit. The Drishyam actress describes how she's adapted a family tradition precise enough to need a paintbrush, just so her kids can join in.
Key Takeaways
Ishita Dutta described her Diwali celebrations as centred on family, simplicity, and age-old rituals including Lakshmi Puja and Kali Puja .
She recalled making Naryal ka Laddu every Diwali since childhood — a tradition she continues today.
Her household's distinctive Rangoli technique uses soaked rice paste applied with a brush; the method has been modified to include flowers so her children can participate.
Dutta emphasised that for her, Diwali is primarily about family togetherness rather than any single ritual.
She said the core lesson she takes from the festival — and hopes to pass on — is to 'be honest, be nice, be a good human being.'
Actress Ishita Dutta has opened up about how her Diwali celebrations have evolved over the years — from childhood memories of making Naryal ka Laddu to now passing down age-old customs to her own children. Speaking in an interview, the Drishyam actress described a festival rooted in simplicity, family, and a conscious effort to keep tradition alive across generations.
A Festival of Simple Rituals
For Dutta, Diwali is less about grand gestures and more about the quiet rhythms of home. 'Diwali at home is very simple. We get up in the morning. It's just family coming together, making mithai for puja. We do a small Lakshmi puja at home, putting diyas outside. Lighting obviously happens a few days before,' she said. She added that evenings often include a visit to the Kali Puja celebrations that coincide with the festival.
Childhood Memories That Stuck
Dutta recalled several traditions that have stayed with her since childhood. 'I have so many memories, like making laddus, Naryal ka Laddu which we would do every Diwali, we still do it,' she said. Making special food items, performing Lakshmi Puja, and crafting Rangoli by hand are among the rituals she considers most dear.
The Rangoli Tradition, Reimagined
One of the more distinctive customs in her household is a traditional rangoli technique passed down through the family. 'In our house we make Rangoli with rice, soaked rice and then you make a paste out of it and then add a little bit of water and then you paint with a brush,' she explained. While the original method used darker-coloured flour that created striking contrast, Dutta says the practice has since been adapted — flowers are now incorporated so that her children can actively participate. 'It has been modified over the years but I really like making rangoli and that's one of my fondest memories,' she added.
Teaching Values Through the Festival
Beyond the rituals, Dutta sees Diwali as an occasion to instil values in her children. 'I love traditions and love following them. I love now teaching these traditions to my kids and I hope one day they will also follow the same,' she said. She described the deeper lesson she draws from the festival: 'What I take from it is in my life and what I would want to teach my kids is just be honest, be nice, be a good human being. In the end I think that is what matters the most.' Dutta added that for her, the essence of Diwali — that good always triumphs over evil — is the most enduring message she wants to pass on.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Ishita Dutta celebrate Diwali at home?
Ishita Dutta celebrates Diwali with simple family rituals including morning Lakshmi Puja, making traditional sweets like Naryal ka Laddu, lighting diyas, and an evening visit to Kali Puja celebrations. She described the day as centred on family togetherness rather than grand festivities.
What is the special Rangoli tradition Ishita Dutta follows?
Dutta's family makes Rangoli using a paste of soaked rice thinned with water, applied with a paintbrush — a technique she says was more striking in older times when darker-coloured flour was used. She has since modified it to incorporate flowers so her children can also take part.
What values does Ishita Dutta hope to pass on through Diwali?
Dutta says she uses the festival to teach her children to 'be honest, be nice, be a good human being,' drawing on Diwali's central theme that good always triumphs over evil. She described family values, love, and cultural continuity as the most important things the festival represents for her.
Which film is Ishita Dutta known for?
Ishita Dutta is widely known for her role in the Drishyam film franchise. She has been active in Hindi television and film, and is recognised for balancing her professional commitments with a strong emphasis on family traditions.
