India, Oct. 5 -- Actor Nikita Dutta is soaking in the festive spirit as the countdown to Diwali begins. Born and raised in Delhi, she says the atmosphere of the season has always been special for her. "For me, this is a season when all your worries and problems of the year feel like they are almost over. It's the time for non-stop festivities to begin, so I'm always looking at it as a time for letting go and welcoming new beginnings," says the 31-year-old who was last seen in Jewel Thief. For Nikita, the celebrations kick off with a fast on Navratri. She shares, it has been a tradition she has followed for eight years. And this year was particularly memorable. "I decided to grow khetri (barley seeds; a ritual to welcome Goddess Durga) for the first time; the result made me so happy that I plan to continue this for future Navratris," she tells us. However, the highlight is always the food. The actor confesses, "At home, we have besan ladoos and mathri that we make ourselves. And there is a standard rajma chawal lunch which I just love!" This year, Nikita might be in Mumbai for Diwali but still plans on making time for her family. "I will squeeze out a day and go visit my folks; Diwali is incomplete if I'm not with them," she ends....