Diwali has always been a festival of lights, happiness and togetherness, but its meaning evolves as one grows older. Zee TV’s hit show Tumm Se Tumm Tak actress Niharika Chouksey, who hails from Madhya Pradesh, feels the festival has become more about finding inner peace, clarity and positivity than just the external celebrations.
Recalling how her perspective on Diwali has changed over the years, Niharika says, “When I was a child back in Madhya Pradesh, Diwali was purely about the excitement of lighting diyas, wearing new clothes and the brightness of firecrackers. But as I have grown older, especially after moving to Mumbai and entering the world of acting, the meaning has evolved. Today, light overcoming darkness feels much more internal. It represents finding clarity amidst chaos, keeping your inner goodness alive when things get stressful and choosing hope and positivity over self-doubt. It is less about the external brightness now and more about the light you carry within you.”
Talking about her celebrations this year, the actress shares that family time will be at the heart of her plans. Despite her busy shooting schedule, she is making sure to spend the festive days with her parents. “This year is all about family, food and cosy festive vibes! Even though the shooting schedule for Tumm Se Tumm Tak keeps me busy, I am making sure to spend the core days at home with my parents. We plan to decorate the house together, make a beautiful rangoli, perform Lakshmi Puja and indulge in homemade sweets without worrying about my diet for a couple of days. I also love dressing up in traditional ethnic wear, so I have a couple of vibrant outfits lined up for festive pictures,” she says.
The actress admits that balancing work and festivities can be challenging, particularly in the television industry, where shooting schedules often continue during festivals. Explaining how she manages both, Niharika says, “It is definitely a juggling act! The television industry never stops, and sometimes we are shooting festive sequences on set all day before heading home for our own celebrations. For me, the key is mental transition and time management. When I am on set, I embrace the festive energy there because it feels like celebrating with a second family. But the moment I wrap up, I leave work behind and completely immerse myself in family time. Even if I get just a few hours off, I make sure those moments are meaningful and filled with laughter.”
For Niharika, one Diwali holds a particularly special place in her heart. It was the festival celebrated shortly after her family moved from Burhanpur to Mumbai to support her acting aspirations. Recalling the emotional memory, she says, “My most memorable Diwali will always be the one right after my family relocated from Burhanpur to Mumbai. We were starting a completely new chapter of our lives so that I could pursue my acting dreams. We did not have a grand celebration, but sitting together in our new home, lighting diyas and realising the massive leap of faith my parents had taken for me made it incredibly special. There was so much hope, ambition and pure love in the air. That Diwali taught me that home is not a specific place; it is about being together with the people who believe in you.”
Sharing a message for her fans this festive season, Niharika emphasises the importance of self-kindness and mental peace. “I would want everyone to remember to be kind to themselves. We live in a world where we are constantly rushing, comparing our lives on social media and putting immense pressure on ourselves to achieve the next big thing. This Diwali, while you light up your homes, try to clear out the darkness of self-criticism. Let us carry the warmth, forgiveness and patience we show during festivals into our everyday lives. Protect your mental peace, lift others and remember that your unique journey is beautiful just the way it is,” she concludes.
