Diwali plans flopped? 8 ways to turn it into a win

Sigh. It stings. That last message saying ‘So sorry….’ really makes you gnash your teeth. After all, you spent weeks designing invites, thinking of playlists, looking at fairy lights in markets and building sweet towers. But, everyone bailed.

I can tell you from rather brutal experience, that yes, you do overcome the misery of it all. After you allow yourself to wallow in a little sadness, you start looking around for lights and finding joy. (I’m not going to lecture you about life’s little things, I know some of you will throw slippers at me). But what I tried to do on one particular Diwali when people had to cancel…was, celebrate anyway.

You love the festival. You go for it.

Who says your apartment can’t be a palace? Light all the diyas you bought, string up fairy lights, and scatter candles around like confetti. Bonus points for glitter—because if it’s Diwali, sparkle is mandatory. Your home is stunning, and Instagram will never forgive you if you don’t document it.

It was my first and only attempt at kheer, but I managed. So, if you have a ladoo mix you bought with dreams of impressing everyone, or that half-baked gulab jamun that didn’t make it to the party, it’s Time to go rogue. Try a new recipe, or just perfect the old one. Extra syrup, extra cardamom, all yours.

Test responsibly, obviously. And if your culinary experiments fail? Well… more for you.

Dance solo or grab that one person who is still willing to make the distance.  Bollywood bangers, bhangra beats, and a little Desi pop—crank it up. Nobody’s judging your shimmy, your freestyle spins, or the dramatic “slow-mo dance walk across the living room” moment

Wearing that eyeliner, dotting the bindi and lining your lips really makes a difference. Drape that saree, lehenga or kurta that you bought for the party.  Now’s your moment. Just because it’s solo doesn’t mean you can’t feel fabulous. Pair it with bold earrings, a glittery bindi, and maybe a hint of perfume.

If music isn’t enough, it’s time for a movie binge. From Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham to quirky Diwali specials, your living room is now a cinema. Dim the lights (or don’t—your fairy lights do the job), grab your plate of sweets, and settle in. Bonus points for commentary: whisper dramatic dialogues to your snacks for full immersive fun.

Technology exists for a reason. Zoom your friends for a mini celebration, start a WhatsApp Diwali group, or FaceTime a relative. Light a candle together, exchange quick laughs, or even compete in a “best outfit” contest. The energy multiplies, even if the room is technically empty.

Diwali is also about light in your soul, not just in your home. Light a diya, sip chai, reflect on the year, and maybe jot down some intentions for the next one. Treat it as a day to recharge, because celebrating yourself is never a bad idea.

And if you're alone, it doesn't mean lonely. Diwali is about joy, celebration, and best food—whether shared with twenty friends or just yourself. The sweets are sweeter when you truly savor them, the lights shine brighter when you appreciate them quietly, and the music is louder when you belt out those Bollywood hits with abandon.

So yes, your Diwali party may have been canceled. But with the right mindset, a sprinkle of creativity, and a touch of sass, it can turn out to be your most memorable festival yet. After all, why wait for others to bring the party when you’re perfectly capable of throwing it yourself?