India, Oct. 18 -- For actor Divya Dutta, the festival of lights is a "tonic". As she describes it, "Yahan se apni urja lekar kaam pe jaate hain!" "This is the time to unwind, and it's like 'kaam ki baat Diwali ke baad.' It's time to spread happiness with family, friends, and those who work for you!" the 45-year-old tells us and adds, "Above all, it's about pampering yourself by dressing up well, decorating your house, and refreshing everything. There is something about this festival. Hawa main kuch naya hota hai!" A must-do tradition for Divya, whose film Echoes of Valour was screened at the Venice Film Festival this year, is Diwali shopping. "I literally go mad when it comes to festive shopping! I put on a cap, mask, and big sunglasses, and I head to the busiest market in Mumbai," she reveals, adding, "I feel that even if you are a known face, you should not distance yourself from these small joys of life. I disguise myself and try not to talk much, as people recognise my voice, so I give signals to my brother, and we shop. (laughs) I love indulging in that mahaul." At home, she has continued the tradition of making halwa, a skill she learnt from her mother. "Suji ka halwa is a must in my home, and I make it with a lot of love and passion. Even my cook says, 'Aapke haath ka halwa jaisa halwa koi aur nahin banata.' I also enjoy decorating the 'hatti' (earthen hut) during the puja, as it is believed to bring prosperity. I perform the puja tradition exactly as my mother used to do." Another annual Diwali ritual includes visiting actor Shabana Azmi's home: "Besides that, we have a get-together with my close group, which includes actors, writers, DOPs, and directors. I do miss (actor Amitabh) Bachchan saheb's party, which used to happen on Diwali day." She has also managed to succeed in keeping her Diwali free for herself so far. "Shoots do happen these days, but luckily, I have always been at home for the festival. Last year, I was shooting close to Diwali, but I reached home just in time."...