India, Nov. 4 -- For actor Pooja Chopra, recently seen in the film Jeevan Ya Bheema Con?, Diwali is about traditional Indian outfits, family visits, card parties, and, most importantly, sweets without counting calories. "Diet compromise wala time shuru ho gaya hai! Sometimes, when guilt rises, I even increase my gym time or hit it twice. It's only during this period that I don't count calories," she says. A foodie with a sweet tooth, she adds, "The whole year we are on a no-sugar diet; these days I just close my eyes on that front." Her festive favourites include her mother's shakkar pare, dry gur-coconut gujiya and chakli. With most of her family now settled in Mumbai, the city has become home. "I have not celebrated Diwali in my hometown, Pune, after winning Miss India in 2009. I remember, woh to kuch alag hi mahaul hota hai," says the actor, known for her role in Commando (2013), recalling making festive food with her mother and grandmother and bursting crackers. Over the years, she has also understood the deeper meaning of traditions. "I used to ask why darwaza khula rakhte hain tyohaar mein, and my parents would say Lakshmiji ghar ayengi. But later I understood that keeping the door open also means welcoming people to celebrate with us," she says, adding that she continues the tradition in Mumbai. "Festivals for me are about togetherness and an excuse to step away from routine life," adds Chopra. She has, however, given up bursting crackers. "Pollution is one thing, but the bigger harm crackers have caused is to animals and birds. I feel very bad when I see our community dogs harried and hiding somewhere. I request everyone toplease celebrate a cracker-free Diwali," she ends....