Where's your STaash'?

This Diwali, celebrations are not restricted to just shor sharaba, dhoom dhamaka and (painfully loud) patakas.

Namma ooru’s frolic-loving lot are prepping for an age-old dhamakedar tradition, which marries the privacy of house parties with the swanky factor of pubs. Yes, we’re talking about the star of many a Diwali do — taash parties.

In a fun chat, we get insider information from city adults. “The plan is to have a bar set up with music, and of course, the grand taash party.”

Once the celebratory mood kicks-in, it’s clearly time to take those cards out as everyone is ready to shell out some moolah,” begins city designer Reshma Kunhi, who goes on to add, “The fun touches its peak when the one who is losing is not ready to give up. The bets go on till the wee hours of the morning, and we’re not guilty as neither are we contributing to the air pollution levels or causing a ruckus on the roads or at venues.”  

“We have arranged for a taash party with over 10 tables, for different kinds of bets and games. This is a tradition we have followed for years. Yes, there is a lot of money to be made, yet most of our friends play because it is Diwali,” says Akash Malhotra, a businessman. Waiting eagerly to get the cards out, is another young professional Caleb Joel Peter. “We have always had poker parties over  teen patti. We have three tables and eight seats on each — It is 12 hours of cards. We have always done this so it’s not tradition per say. This is something we like doing.”

While there’s clear evidence that taash has made its way into Diwali dos in a big way, interior designer Aprajita Seth feels a healthy mix is what she’s looking forward to. “I personally believe Diwali is a time when people and their homes are lit up. The idea of celebration might vary, but it is important to mix a bit of the traditional with a contemporary spin. So it’s about lighting diyas and indulging in friendly banter over card parties.”