Celebrating Festivals as a Couple
For their first Diwali as a married couple, Rahul and Priya must decide how to split their time between both families without anyone feeling left out.
Key words and phrases
Useful sentences
- Ask How are we splitting Diwali this year, your family or mine first?
- Answer Let's alternate — we went to my parents first last year, so yours first this time.
- Ask Won't your mother feel left out if we leave early?
- Answer I'll explain the plan to her in advance so there's no confusion.
- Ask Should we host guests at our own place this year too?
- Answer Yes, I'd love to start our own tradition of hosting a small evening puja.
- Ask How much should we budget for gifts this year?
- Answer Let's keep it reasonable — both families will understand.
- Ask Are we doing the puja together at home or at your parents' house?
- Answer Let's do a small puja together here first, then join the family later.
- Ask Isn't shuttling between two homes exhausting?
- Answer It is, but we'll manage it better once we set clear priorities.
- Ask Should we video call the family who couldn't come this year?
- Answer Definitely — they'll appreciate being included even from a distance.
- Ask How do we make sure we don't just rush through the day?
- Answer Let's plan ahead so we can actually cherish the moment at each home.
Dialogue
PriyaThis is our first Diwali as a married couple. How do we plan the day?
RahulWe should split the time between both families so no one feels left out.
PriyaMy mother already asked if we're coming for the morning puja.
RahulLet's do that, then head to my parents' for lunch and the evening.
PriyaThat sounds like a fair compromise. What about our own place?
RahulLet's decorate together tonight and start our own small tradition too.
PriyaI like that idea. We could do a short puja here before we leave.
RahulPerfect. And let's not forget the sweets exchange with the neighbours.
PriyaDefinitely. It's a lot of juggling, but I'm excited for our first one together.
RahulMe too. As long as we plan ahead, we'll be able to cherish every part of it.
Common mistakes
- Saying "we split time" instead of "we split the time."
- Saying "my in-law" instead of "my in-laws" (plural, referring to the family).
- Saying "we do alternate" instead of "we alternate."
- Saying "nobody feel left out" instead of "nobody feels left out."
- Saying "make puja" instead of "do the puja" or "perform the puja."
- Saying "host the guest" instead of "host guests" when speaking generally.
Quick quiz
1. What does "split the time" mean?
2. What does "alternate" mean in this context?
3. What is a "compromise"?
4. What does "feel left out" mean?
5. What is a "new household"?
6. What does "cherish the moment" mean?
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