India, Dec. 16 -- For Delhi's socialites, Christmas season is officially underway once communication consultants Dilip and Devi Cherian host their annual holiday bash. Held on Saturday, the gathering brought together a mix of politicians, diplomats, designers and old friends for an afternoon that felt both celebratory and comfortably familiar. "We have been hosting this for years now. These are friends we have known for a lifetime. It's the third generation coming," said Devi. She added, "The menu, place and friends remain the same, the list only gets longer." Sticking to the unwritten dress code, guests arrived in splashes of red. Conversations circled around the generous spread, especially the much-loved Muradabadi dal, which had many guests going back for second helpings....