One of the biggest festivals in India, Diwali is celebrated to honor the triumph of the good and welcome positivity. It is then only fitting that this festival be synonymous with light. The word “Deepavali” originates from Sanskrit literally translating to a row of lamps. Every year as the Diwali week commences, passing by your own city is a delight. Homes are decorated, shops are shining, people come together, and streets are full of vendors selling fresh flowers. As someone who values this immensely, here’s me telling you how you can make your home Diwali ready.

1. Repurpose old décor

All your décor doesn’t have to be new. You can use existing décor items, to be kinder to the environment and channel your creativity. Have old glasses or jars? Place tealights in them. Got an urli you don’t know how to decorate? Create an aesthetic arrangement with a mix of different flowers. Decorative dupattas that don’t look presentable? No worries, they can come handy as table runners. Old jewelry that is rusting? Use that as accents in different corners.

2. Ditch the big lights

Perhaps the most important element, light can make and break the look. Rather than focusing on just a few strings of lights all over the house. Think of all the different sources of lights – diyas, candles, fairy lights, accent lamps and put them together in different rooms and spaces of your home. That way, when you look at your house, it’ll be festive from all angles. Want to go a step further and be sustainable? Use solar lights. They can be charged during the day in broad sunlight and look just as divine as all of the above. You can order solar lights here.

3. Fragrance sets the mood

Ever walked into a house preparing fresh baked goods and instantly felt comfort? Or the aroma of fresh popcorn that always reminds you that you’re in a hall to watch a movie. An instant charmer, how a room smells really dictates the atmosphere. Whether it is through fresh mogras, scented candles or diffusers, apart from how it looks, let your house also FEEL like Diwali. You can order scented candles here.

4. Make your dining table welcoming

A vital part of any celebration is its food. It acts as a great conversation starter and brings people together. While an indulgent Diwali menu is almost the norm, ensure to beautify the space your food will lay – the dining table. Bring out your finery, put soft, ambient lighting at the table, make a DIY chaat counter and ensure there are dishes all your loved ones will relish. Here are some references for a Diwali table set up.

5. Rangoli doesn’t have to be big  

This is the time our social media and search history are full of rangoli ideas. I’m sure a lot of you have also saved expansive designs to make your entrance standout. However, it’s not mandatory for your rangoli to be big. More bursts of color at various parts of your entrance will make it distinctive, will be less time consuming and bring the look of the house together. A few ideas to get your mind going are here.

Go on, dress up, spend time with your loved ones, revel in the treats, laugh, light diyas and take lots of pictures. But remember to be kind to each other and the planet.

We at Unhurry® wish you a very Happy and prosperous Diwali.

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