Away from home, but not without light: How students, professionals celebrate Diwali in Delhi

For hundreds of students and working professionals in Delhi living away from their families, Diwali is a blend of celebration and longing. As lights and laughter fill the city, many are creating their own sense of home in hostels, PGs and rented flats.

At Delhi University (DU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), many students have chosen to stay back on campus due to academic deadlines and travel costs. “This is my third Diwali away from home,” shared Kaushlendra, a PhD scholar from Manipur studying at JNU. “Flights are too expensive and I need to finish my research work. But my hostel friends have become like family—we’re planning to light diyas together and share homemade sweets,” he added.

“It’s not easy being away from family during Diwali,” said Priya, who has been working in Delhi for the past three years. “My father lives in Ranchi and my brother is studying. I do miss them, but I can’t skip work just because it’s Diwali. I usually offer prayers at my flat and then join the celebrations at my workplace.”

Several hostels have been decorated by students themselves, while mess staff are preparing festive meals for those staying back. “The hostel kitchen is making paneer butter masala and gulab jamun for dinner. It may not be like home, but it still feels special,” said Karvendu, a resident of Gwyer Hall Hostel (DU).

Those living in paying guest (PG) accommodations share a similar sentiment. Manju, who manages a girls’ PG in Laxmi Nagar, said, “For the girls who can’t go home for Diwali, we try to make them feel at home by preparing special meals and organising a small puja in the common hall.”

For Komal, a student from Uttarakhand, the festival is about finding joy in togetherness. “Most of my friends are also staying back this year, so we’ve decided to celebrate together. We’ll perform puja, cook festive food, play music and dance at one of our flats.”

Others prefer a quieter celebration. Roshni, who hails from Assam, said, “We don’t really celebrate Diwali back home, and travelling would be too tiring with so many assignments pending. Instead, my friends and I will enjoy some good food and attend a nearby Diwali event.”

Across DU and JNU, corridors glow with fairy lights and colourful rangolis, echoing laughter and the clinking of teacups late into the night. As Kaushlendra put it, “Being away from family is hard, but the hostel has its own warmth. Diwali away from home teaches you that celebration is not about where you are—it’s about who you’re with.”

Even miles away from loved ones, Delhi’s young residents remind us that the true spirit of Diwali lies not in grandeur, but in finding light, comfort and companionship wherever one may be.