Diwali Decor Ideas for 2017!

It’s that time of the year once again, when Indians across the world get ready to celebrate Diwali - the festival of lights. Like all else, Diwali and its rituals, decorations, and accoutrements too have evolved with the times. People are happy to buy fancy-looking and cheap Chinese items that last only for a few days, as against the scenario thirty years back, when the robust light-streamers and lanterns used to be packed up in sheets of newspapers, then carefully sealed in old cardboard boxes and stored away in the attic; only to be brought down and cleaned up a few days before the next Diwali.  

Unpacking those parcels and discovering the beautifully wrapped things unravel themselves was a source of great fascination and unparalleled joy. Finally after three-four years, when the light-bulbs conked off or the circuit was damaged, or the lantern paper tore – it was time to but a brand new item. And that was indeed a momentous occasion!! Literally, the whole family used to traipse along to the vendor (the same one, mind you) for selecting the new streamer or lantern – or sometimes, both! 

However, what remains my fondest memory and the most constant factor of all Diwalis were the ‘diyas’ – the small, plain bowl-shaped earthenware lamps; hundreds of which used to be lit every night, all around the house! What a magical feel these ‘diyas’ imparted to our home – what a sense of peace, serenity and tranquillity!! 

Brass diyas - small and large - are still popular, and trendy too; but tealights and candles have taken a huge chunk of the market of the oil-diyas. Flowers and rangolis enhance the mood and the ambience.

But those days are long gone... the traditional, ritualistic items have made way for jazzier interpretations and snazzier counterparts, that appeal to new-age sensibilities. Those days furniture was made to last for fifty years; and clothes altered several times till the fabric literally got worn out. The trend today however, is towards cheap, attractive and disposable, whether in furniture or décor, clothes or accessories. Rangolis come in the form of stickers - incredible as that seems! Attractive and convenient - but missing out on the element of 'ritual' - that's the way most Indian festivals are celebrated today. 

Scouring the internet for Diwali décor opens up a plethora of ideas – some permanent, that actually impart a festive feel to the space; and some merely superficial additions used for accessorizing the space till the festive season lasts! 

So, here’s a visual feast of the décor elements that are seen sprucing up Indian homes this Diwali!!