What began as a ceremonial get-together with women from the family and neighbourhood for traditional puja has now turned into a party that begins a day before Karva Chauth and continues until the puja on the day of the festival. Trust Delhiites to turn every celebration into a grand party! With the beginning of the festive season, while lists are being drawn of which Diwali parties to attend or skip, there is a parallel list of who’s hosting the best ‘KC party’ this year. The question is no longer just “Are you fasting?” but also “Where are you celebrating?” And if you thought it’s an all-ladies affair, you are mistaken. Men appear in supporting roles, making the most of the celebrations.While Delhi is known to host parties that begin early evening and continue till the wee hours, KC parties are more like a staycation packed with pampering sessions and multiple dress codes. One outfit for brunch, another for the KC evening and the festive look for puja – packing for a fast now takes some planning.These parties are mostly scheduled a day before the festival, beginning with a lavish brunch followed by mehendi, spa and shringar sessions to help the ladies unwind before fasting. Once the pampering is done, it’s time to get ready again, this time for an evening of live performances (one of the hosts told us that Sufi is the most preferred theme, as no one wants to drain their energy dancing on DJ beats before fasting). The entertainment, clearly, has to keep the next day’s schedule in mind. There are arrangements for guests to stay over and get some sleep before it’s time for sargi the next morning. The overnight bag is as much a part of the plan as the puja thali.As the festival begins, the day is packed with games and, occasionally, palm-reading and astrology sessions before it’s time to get ready for puja and photo session. Between the sessions and the outfit changes, the wait for the moon comes with a full itinerary. The men, meanwhile, have company beyond their own fasting partners – making it a social outing for the couples too.Most KC parties wrap up after the afternoon or early-evening puja, leaving the ladies some time to rest before the moon makes its guest appearance. After all, that is one arrival the host cannot schedule.And for those already juggling a packed festive calendar, there is a combined invitation. Some hosts are bringing KC and Diwali parties together as one occasion, saving guests another date to block. Two celebrations, one guest list, and one less “sorry, we have another party to attend.”
