Who said Diwali is all about taash parties? What about those who don’t want to shuffle cash, but want the fun and to meet new people, while welcoming a dose of nostalgia? Here’s a chance to bring your parents, friends, a date or just yourself, decked in all your festive finery to play board games in what’s being called the Seriously Fun Diwali Game Day on October 30 at The Humming Tree.
Vidhi Kundan Jain, founder of The Beehive, a community that attempts to bring different understandings and perceptions together, says that this is almost therapeutic. In it’s third edition now, “We usually have 16 to 60-year-olds that come down with their families and friends, couples on dates and travellers passing through the city that stop by,” she says, expecting at least a 100 to drop by in their festive avatars to indulge in everything from calculated strategy to quick word and team games.
“Games like Monopoly and Life are strictly banned so we can get everyone to try something new, remain curious and go on an adventure. We’ll help you pick a game, set up, and figure out the rules, so you can get straight to taking over your best friend’s cities, or working with your Tinder date to survive a sinking island,” she adds, teaming up with ReRoll: Bangalore’s Board Games Collective, to bring in new games to the table, literally. Ever heard of Settlers of Catan, Codenames, Spaceteam or Keep Talking and Nobody Explodes? That’s what we are talking about.
While most regulars wouldn’t miss it for the world, newbies are hoping to be there to experience the famed energy that they’ve heard so much about, first hand.
“The energy at every table is palpable,” says city girl Saloni Samant. A model by profession, the youngster who joined in for a shooting game recently says, “It’s a great way to interact with people because their personalities start to show over the game.”
According to another regular, Jude Koshy, it’s a more constructive way to spend your time and people are likely to show up despite it being a festival. “I’ve been collecting games for over 15 years, so this event is on my don’t-miss list. I personally think it’s a great culture to sit down and put your mind to work rather than to just nurse a drink. You join a table where there’s room and you immediately meet a group of eclectic people from all walks of life – expats and people of all ages included,” he says. Even better?
“People actually dress up according to the theme!” This time, it’s to display your festive bits while gorging on a menu of jalebis at a roof top where you won’t even miss the fireworks.
