Actress Shweta Tripathi says Diwali is fundamentally about bringing in light, warmth, and positive energy — and that the festive season calls for a conscious balance between professional commitments, family time, and staying fit. Speaking on 5 November in Mumbai, she reflected on childhood rituals that have stayed with her into adulthood and offered a candid take on navigating the indulgences the festival brings.

Childhood Traditions That Still Hold

Tripathi recalled how pre-Diwali cleaning was a fixture of her early years. 'Diwali for me is bringing in light, warmth and positive energy. Since childhood, before Diwali, I used to clean the house and my room. As a child, I used to wonder why I was doing this, but now I understand how important it is,' she said.

She added that the act of keeping one's surroundings clean and illuminated carries a deeper personal significance. 'When you keep the things around you clean and lit, you give them light, and that light comes inside you as well. That is something I follow even today,' she said.

Among her most cherished memories is lighting diyas on the rooftop with her entire family. 'All four of us — my mother, father, sister and I — would light diyas around the house. We would put oil in them and light them. That is a tradition we still follow,' Tripathi noted.

Making Room for Family Amid Busy Schedules

For the actress, whose work schedule remains unpredictable, festivals serve as a necessary reminder to pause and reconnect. 'Professional life is, of course, very important, especially for us, as our schedules are unpredictable. But you have to take out little pockets of time, even if you cannot dedicate an entire day,' she said.

She emphasised that celebrations need not be grand to be meaningful. 'It does not have to be elaborate. It can simply be a meal together, conversations, laughter, gifting something to someone or making something for them. It is important to create those little pockets of happiness for yourself and others,' she added.

Fitness and Festive Indulgence

Tripathi was equally forthcoming about the challenge of maintaining a workout regimen during the sweet-laden festive stretch. 'Working out is also very important because of all the Diwali sweets and amazing food. Maintaining your workout routine helps you strike that balance. I think balance is extremely important in life,' she said.

Her remarks resonate with a wider conversation among public figures about managing health during festivals, when dietary routines are routinely disrupted. Notably, Tripathi frames fitness not as a corrective measure but as part of a broader philosophy of balance that she applies to every aspect of her life.

The Bigger Picture

Tripathi's perspective offers a grounded counterpoint to the increasingly commercial framing of Diwali — anchoring the festival in personal rituals, human connection, and mindful living. As the festive season stretches across several weeks, her emphasis on 'little pockets of happiness' over elaborate celebrations reflects a sensibility that many urban professionals navigating packed calendars are likely to identify with.