Kitty parties thrive online, women catch a break virtually & participate in games

Several women from across the city are on video conferencing once or twice a month as kitty parties go online.
Deccan resident Nita Agarwal said online kitty parties are a relief. “The hosts of our kitty party thought we should meet online. We played housie on WhatsApp followed by a video call to chat,” she said.
Balewadi resident Sudha Agarwal said she was the host for the online kitty party this month. “The two hosts pay Rs 2,000 each for food at the restaurant while money is collected at the table for games. Since we could not go out, my co-host and I decided to give away the amount as prizes instead of collecting table money. We played Bollywood tambola, wherein the rules and prizes were disclosed beforehand. Since we could not see each other on WhatsApp, we got on a video call later,” she added.
Several women got friends and family to learn the technology and digital interfaces. Wanowrie-resident Seema Parekh said, “I did not know how to use video calling applications, but my son downloaded it on my phone and taught me how to use it. It felt good seeing all my friends after nearly two months.”
Entrepreneur Hemakshi Shah said she was a member of 3-4 groups and they have been doing an assortment of activities during their kitty parties.
“I hosted an Emoji quiz, a card deck quiz, alphabetical games, antakshari and other games,” she said. They also branched out to virtual coffee or potluck parties. “We decide on a recipe that everyone cooks. With plates and coffee mugs in hand, all of us meet online at 5pm on the scheduled day and enjoy the snacks together,” Shah added.
Businesswoman Priti Mehta said much of her socializing will remain online. “I have known my kitty friends for 25 years and our meetings were a monthly ritual. Going online helps keep in touch and provides a break from chores,” she added.