Diwali is close in time and everybody is in a festive mood. Forethoughts as to how to celebrate Diwali, what to wear on the occasion and what to cook for the family, must be crossing your mind.
The festival of lights, Diwali, is one of the most widely celebrated and awaited occasions in India. People all across the country gear up for the festivities and begin preparations days in advance. While, intense cleaning of homes is a mandatory task, many even renovate their homes and offices before the celebration. After the homes are spic and span, the decoration phase begins. As per the traditions, societies across India light their houses up with shimmering lights and bright colours using string lights. Also, candles, oil lamps, and, of course, diyas are used for in-house décor. The planning of decor has to be on-point to ensure that the house neither looks too lit-up nor dull.
The home truly sparkles too, with living spaces decorated with lights and small oil lamps (known as diya). Fireworks are also an essential part of the occasion, and again, lights and oil lamps are lit on the streets.
Meanwhile, people visit their relatives and have feasts, with an array of sweet treats and savoury snacks on offer. This year, however, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and various lockdown restrictions, celebrations will likely be smaller, within social bubbles, or virtually.
If you want to decorate your own home for the annual autumn Diwali festival, here are some of the best Diwali home decoration and craft ideas you can try.
Candles and diyas
The main decoration item for Diwali are decorative diyas and candles. Instead of buying, you can make decorative diyas and candles at home as well. This will add personal touch to the Diwali decorations. They are easy to make and it brings a lot of festivity in the house too. Use waste cans to make candle holders by wrapping the can with colored paper and putting the candles inside. You can also light up your home with aromatic candles and floating diyas.
Rangoli
Rangoli is to welcome Goddess Lakshmi and hence is an integral part of Diwali decorations. The common rangoli themes for Diwali are holy symbols like mangal kalash, Goddess Laxmi’s footsteps at house entrance, Om, swastik, lighted Deepak, shree etc. You can place a lighted diya at the centre of the rangoli. You can also use flower petals and pipe lights to illuminate the rangoli. Add some gold and silver glitter on top of your rangoli to add a sparkle to your Diwali.
Lantern/Kandils
If you want to enhance your home decor with hanging lights, then get a bunch of lanterns. While, these are easily available in the market, they are not so difficult to make as well. So, you can either buy these colorful lights or create them on your own. Also, a variety of ‘Sky Lanterns’ are available in the market that can be lit up and suspended in the air. Hence, you could contribute to a bit of sky decoration!
Flower Decoration
Flowers look beautiful and spread their fragrance too enhancing the celebrations. Flowers are a must for Diwali decorations. You can decorate the flower garlands at the entrance, on the pillars, stair railings and also make them a part of the rangoli. You can attach fairy lights with this floral garland to add beauty to your home decoration.
Lights
There is nothing as versatile and vibrant as fairy lights. All you need to do is pick a spot and start lighting up. Available in various colours and sizes, you can pick the type that will suit your home and add the festive touch to your decor.
Torans
Torans, also known as Bandanwar are wall hanging that add a different essence to the decor. They are also considered an auspicious decor element for Diwali. These are usually decorated with mango leaves and marigold flowers. Hang them outside your main entrance along with lights to give a festive touch.
