A DIY decor tutorial for Diwali 2023

Representation Pic

Curated by Aastha Atray Banan, Jane Borges and Christalle Fernandes

Instagram creator Nikita Rakshe is helping all of us spend less on Diwali décor this time. She has started a DIY series on her page Junk Drawer, that will help you create cute table centrepieces, and decorations for your home just by putting a few simple things together. She started off with a lotus bud centrepiece, where she reused her Ganpati decorations. Coming up next: how to use your ice trays as holder for flowers. Whut! We can't wait.
The_junkdrawer/Instagram

Decoding Diwali

The festival of lights falls on the New Year of the Hindu calendar, which is a different date every year. If you've ever paused amidst the gaiety of eating mithais and waving sparklers, and wondered why the date is not the same like some other festivals, Storytrails has an explanation. A website dedicated to decoding the "mélange" of customs, traditions, and intricacies that is India, Storytrails tells it all, including the logic behind the dates of the Hindu calendar. A hint? It's all about how our ancient ancestors measured time. For those who've gone a step further and wanted to know why the celebration of Diwali differs in different parts of the country, the website has stories about how Ravana is viewed differently in some communities, like the people of Bishrakh, in Uttar Pradesh, who perceive the rakshasa king as someone to be feared and respected. If you're curious, log onto storytrails.in to find out.
storytrails.in

The song of light

In Navina Chhabria's Raaga's song, the festival of lights is brought alive through a story of one little girl who dares to dream. Raaga is a little girl, who, like her name, loves to render soulful melodies for one and all to hear. The festival of lights is special to her because of the stories her grandfather told her over the years, like how Ravana was defeated and how the diyas shed their light for all. Every year in her town, the Royal Palace hosts a Diwali mela, where acclaimed singers are chosen to perform. Though she has stage fright, Raaga harbours a secret dream of one day being chosen to sing at the festival… but the road to this dream is long and difficult, with the people of the town picking on her for her skin colour. Yet Raaga forges ahead. Pick up the book as a Diwali gift for your kiddos, about the feisty child and her explots.
Raaga's Song; amazon.com

Noiseless fireworks

Love the way firecrackers burn and scatter fragments of light in the night sky? We were intrigued to discover that you can light fireworks indoors, minus the noise and pollution. HK Basics' firework copper wire fairylights (R999) simulates the moment a firework goes off, in full burst. It's the perfect accessory for the festive season, and you can pair it with their diya string lights for the ultimate Diwali special decor. We love the way the lights look as if a glowing firework is suspended against the deep inky-black night sky. A room filled with these lights from the ceiling will be a de-light to behold (see what we did there?) They also have diya-shaped lights and curtain LED lights that look like a waterfall of sparkles illuminating the surroundings.
hkbasics.com

Strings of prosperity

If you've been looking for a range of innovative torans to adorn the entrance of your house or your pooja-ghar, you'll want to check out Crasto India's collection. Festive and formal, creative and subtle, there are multiple options to choose from; like an orange-and-gold handcrafted piece, or ones with playful tassels and beads. For those who love heavy embellishments and ostentatious ornamentation, the Rose Edit toran is perfect, replete with pink and red roses, pearl beadwork, and rangolis as well. We also love the Patola Decor set, which would look great in homes that have antique elements and vintage furniture. Or if you prefer a more minimalist look for your door, check out the rosebud-themed toran, which has elegant gold beads and blush-pink rosebuds trailing from the beadwork. Torans have alos been used as wall hangings in many homes, along with its usual place above our doors. This adds a touch to your festive decor without it being too finicky, once its time to take down the festive decorations. The resusabilty of the torans makes it extra special at prices starting from Rs 2,500.
crastoindia.com