Diwali is the festival of lights. It is a time when one illuminates the entire house (outdoor and indoor), to welcome Goddess Lakshmi into the house.
Diyas
Diyas are synonymous with Diwali. They can be lit with oil, ghee, wax or even gel. Diwali can never be complete, without the glow of traditional earthen diyas. “Over time, traditional diyas have undergone a makeover.
“Nowadays, a variety of diyas are available in attractive colours and shapes, such as tortoise, elephant, melon, human figures, Buddha and Ganesha and are embellished with sequins, glitter and pearls,” says Khushboo Jain, founder of Urban Haveli, Mumbai.
Diya/candle holder from Urban Haveli LEDs
LED lights of various sizes, can be used to light up one’s home and create focal areas. One can also opt for LED strings, LED strips, multi-colour LED sticks, floral crystals and waterproof LED lights, for the festive season.
Lights and flowers
Readymade Rangoli platters, with diyas in vibrant colours, are in vogue. “Floral rangolis, combined with lights, add a welcoming feel. Floating diyas and flower arrangements on the dining table, puja room and at the entrance, are an eye-catching decoration for the Diwali celebration,” maintains Srishti Kapur, floral designer and owner of Floral Art, Mumbai. While selecting flowers, restrict it to two colours. Combine the flowers with an arrangement of LED diyas, to add a sparkling effect to the home, this Diwali, suggests Kapur.
Candles
Candles come in various shapes and designs. Aromatic candles, can make the home fragrant and create a soothing atmosphere. “You can innovate, by filling four glass vases of varying heights with water, beads and some glitter. Then, add some fresh flower petals and a floating candle in each vase. You can also wrap a solid colour, patterned or printed ribbon, around each vase. You can mix and match colours, according to the theme of your house,” adds Jain.
Candles from Urban Haveli Lamps
Besides the traditional lanterns, one can choose lanterns made of metals (like copper, brass or silver), to brighten up the home. Antique-style kerosene lamps are also popular. They are available in different colours and can add an ethnic touch to the home’s décor. In addition to gold-coloured and colourful glass lanterns, home owners can add marble lamps studded with semi-precious stones to light up the home, this Diwali.
Lanterns from Floral Art
Lights add a positive vibe to the Diwali celebrations, in whichever way they are used. However, while choosing lights and lamps for the festive season, one should avoid going overboard and select options, based on the space and area of illumination.
Lighting tips for Diwali Place flowers and candles or fairy lights in painted cages and hang them outdoors and indoors. Floating candles in glass containers, along with flower petals, at the entrance of a home, add a welcoming feel. A simple paper kandeel, which captures the essence of Diwali, can be hung on windows and balconies. You can also add colourful blinking lights, behind sheer curtains, on the balcony and the window sill. Place a few candles of different heights, on a mirror tray. The reflected, flickering light will add a cosy feel to the room. Use aromatic candles with rose oil, jasmine, or sandalwood, to freshen up the home. For the dining area, you can place lights in colourful glass bottles and keep them underneath a glass dining table, for a beautiful effect. For the living room, you can place a few tall twigs in a vase and drape fairy lights over them. LED string lights, flickering fairy lights and rope lights, can be hung on the temple, windows, pillars, balcony, main entrance and the garden. Always keep safety in mind and do not place diyas around any loose fabric and materials.
Credit for header image: http://bit.ly/2ff9WWC
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