Ananya Anand found love in Diwali lockdown, celebrations continue

'My Diwali' podcast series features culture maker Ananya Anand, reflecting on how Diwali deepens her connection to culture and heritage. Credit: Supplied by Ananya Anand.

My Diwali

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Diwali brought more than light into Ananya Anand’s life – it brought love. During Melbourne’s lockdown in 2020, Ananya found herself unexpectedly staying longer, discovering a connection that led to her now-husband. Since then, she’s blended her traditions with new ones, celebrating Diwali with fusion dishes like butter chicken pies and paneer tikka tacos. Listen in as Ananya shares her story of love, food, and a Melbourne Diwali that brings together everything she cherishes, on My Diwali with Dilpreet Kaur Taggar and Preeti Jabbal.

Diwali has become more than just a festival. It's mostly the time for me to reflect and appreciate good in my life. I really want to sit back and think this is my culture, this is where I come from. Even if someone who's not Indian, and they want to come to your house — they should just feel at home.
Publicist and cultural coordinator Ananya Anand on why hospitality matters to her

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Celebrate Diwali across the SBS network at

www.sbs.com.au/diwali