The thing about hosting a Diwali party is that you’ll have some people who are all in for a night of cards, and some who just aren’t. Even within seasoned taash players, there are hardcore teen patti fans (for whom it’s practically a sin not to play during Diwali), while others prefer variations in poker. But what do you do with those who aren’t quite ready to put all their money on the table just yet? What if, and hear me out, you turn the whole scene into Variety Game Night? Why not set up a whole bunch of different games so that everyone finds something to do, and no one has to suffer small talk at the bar, or lose money because they can’t tell a club from a spade (speaking from experience).
That’s not to say you should bring out your Monopoly board at dinner or bore your guests with the rules of Catan—but I’ve never complained about a party that had a foosball table or a chess set sitting around, ready to facilitate a night of bonding between strangers.
So, if you’re playing host this Diwali—for a card party or otherwise—consider throwing some other games into the mix. There’s Uno Mercy, which is all the rage right now, if your friendships can handle it—or you could take things up a notch, and turn your card party into a game night like no other.
Over the past few years, interior designers have started to reimagine traditional board games with their artisanal design: SHED showcased an inlaid marble Carrom board at the AD Design Show this year, Material Immaterial brought a Roman amphitheatre-inspired chess set to ID Mumbai that looked like it was straight out of Star Wars, and PortsideCafé reimagined a Backgammon set in a mid-century aesthetic that’s refreshingly contemporary. So, if you really want to take things up a notch at your Diwali party this year, lay out a couple of these games that triple as collector’s items, conversations starters, and a great source of entertainment. And let the games begin.
