Riteish celebrating Diwali at native place

Actor Riteish Deshmukh is back in his native place Babhalgaon village in Latur district in Maharashtra to celebrate Diwali. The actor took to Twitter to talk about the rituals which he follows during the auspicious festival.

"Yearly ritual- I am back to my village (Babhalgaon-Latur) to celebrate Diwali. Wishing everyone a prosperous and a happy Diwali," Riteish posted on micro-blogging site Saturday.

Away from the hectic life of Mumbai, the actor enjoyed a peaceful sleep in the village.

"Slept peacefully listening to the bhajans (devotional songs) sung by a group in the neighbouring temple and woke up to crackers lit by village kids," he said.

Talking about the festival rituals, Riteish said that they start with "Pahila-Paani" which traditionally involves all the men of the house having a bath with spices which is followed by a small prayer.

"Today (Saturday) is Pahila-Paani (first water), men of the house have be up early, they have to get scrubbed by various kinds of masalas (not the cooking ones)," he said.

He further added: "Men have to have a bath before women hence 'Pahila Paani' (first water)... small puja... new clothes."

The traditions made the actor nostalgic.

"Remember sitting with my grandfather and my father in one line for this scrubbing ritual. Miss them both dearly," he said.

His father, union minister and former chief minister of Maharashtra Vilasrao Deshmukh, passed away in August last year.