Thinking about all day what to cook, what grocery to buy, what classes to send the children is the 'dull' story of many homemakers. There is literally no space for ‘me time’ a woman deserves. To break this stereotyping and to make her discover her own private time is the 'kitty parties'.
Thinking about all day what to cook, what grocery to buy, what classes to send the children is the 'dull' story of many homemakers. There is literally no space for ‘me time’ a woman deserves. To break this stereotyping and to make her discover her own private time is the 'kitty parties'.
And, this is how the kitty concept works out. Each member of a particular kitty will have to contribute a said sum of money a month. The principles of usage of funds would be discussed well ahead by the members of the kitty. Nevertheless, the principles differ from every kitty group. The kitty is to be handed over to one member of the group every month who would host a party then. The hosting member organises food and other 'allied' things, and the party kick starts!
Not just food, the party has lot of fun activities, like themed dressing, interactive games, socialising, chats and what not.
“My kitty happens every month, and I really look forward to it. Certainly, it breaks the monotony of my mundane lifestyle as its fun, interesting and amazing way of saving money", stated Sharmila Thambu one of the kitty members.
“A group can consist of 8 to 10 members or it can also go up to 30 to 40 members. The monthly meetings could be for lunch, dinner, coffee or an excursion. We usually add a theme to it, so that there is an excitement to dress up and look our best. And, for my last kitty the theme was to dress in blue and we gave away prizes to the member who has best dressed", she added.
The concept of women coming together over a common meet in a secure space to share and vent out their stories is undeniably regarded a breather for many women especially housewives who have least opportunities to catch up with the up-to-date happenings.
"Meeting over kitty is like being in an enclosed space where we freely discuss personal issues, business-related stuff, brain storm fresh ideas and of course 'gossips'. We unite like a family. Kitties not only strengthens the bond with other members of the kitty group but also a great platform for women to exchange ideas and find feasible solutions for their issues. I started my baking career with my kitty members who have been very encouraging and a huge support for me", stated Arti Shroff.
It's often a misconception that kitties are for now young women. Let's hear it from Mrs. Saroj Bafna, a 50-year-old from the city who is much into kitty parties. “At 50 you don’t have much work to do. For decades, we have been engaged with household stuff, taking care of children, attending to relatives and other chores. It's time we take a break and enjoy our "me" time through kitties".
She also expressed that theme-based kitties are more interesting and that she re-called the fabulous time she and her kitty members had during one of their themed kitty 'Retro style' followed a rocking DJ Party.
"Though the kitty trend is catching up in the city. Coimbatore has a long way to catch up with the kitties hosted in metros", says Shruti Seth from Bangalore.
“Over here, the kitty parties are a trending thing and literally every woman is part of some kitty or the other. Women feel that kitties keeps them alive and happening. Not just get togethers and chats, we even go on international trips. And the themes for kitties would never be an ordinary one, they are indeed exquisite. Right from live band performers, the kitties are more than fun. At times, we do organise couple kitties to make the kitty bonding stronger", she added.
"And, of course the financials involved to bring the awe factor too is higher. Though subscriptions varies from one kitty to another, the bigger the money, the bigger would be the gala part. And, I am part of a kitty group were we pay Rs. 20,000 every month. So, the person who gets her kitty turn would get around 2 lakhs at one time, which makes the concept of kitty lucrative and whoopee”, opined Shruti.
Well, kitties are not confined to the women. There are men kitties, couple kitties and even young girls in their teens are part such concepts. Interestingly, there are travel kitties too. The group members pool a decent money for a trip together or then with their families. And, the location need not often be a hill station near by, even it could be Switzerland or a Europe tour!
Be it fashion, luxury, beauty tips, recipes, chit-chats, work leads, emotional well-being and much more, these kitties are truly great stress busters for women, who question, why should men have all the fun?