Get ready for Diwali: Five useful tips for a festive celebration
With Diwali around the corner, the festivities are in full swing with people preparing to bake up a storm, buy clothes and find the perfect gift trays.
In 2024, this festival of lights will be celebrated from Thursday, October 31. With families coming together for joyous reunions, it's the perfect time to bask in the warmth of togetherness and tradition.
Here are five essential ways to prepare for the festival of light.
Spring-clean before the guests stream in
Embrace the spirit of Diwali by indulging in a thorough spring cleaning. Many believe that a clean home invites blessings from the deities, particularly Goddess Lakshmi, who represents wealth and prosperity.
Engage in a cleansing ritual by dusting, cleaning, and even doing laundry to ensure that your home is ready to welcome the goddess.
It’s a well-loved tradition and a necessary step to ensure that your home shines as brightly as your festive spirit.
Choose a theme
With your home sparkling, it’s time to shift into festive mode and choose a decor theme that reflects your style and family traditions.
Whether you envision a lavish set-up featuring brocades and brass lamps or prefer a rustic vibe with clay pots, let your creativity flow. Revisit your existing decorative items, perhaps borrowing a special piece from your mother to infuse a sense of nostalgia into your setting.
The festival of lights invites you to incorporate vibrant fabrics and soft lighting to create an enchanting atmosphere that reflects the joyous spirit of Diwali.
Go shopping
The excitement of shopping adds to the festive thrill as stores rollout the Diwali deals and discounts. Be sure to explore both online platforms and local shops.
Bulk purchases at wholesale stores can provide affordable flowers, lamps, and decorative items to grace your celebrations.
When selecting pieces for your home, consider their size and compatibility with your existing decor. Credit card shoppers should also watch for the best rewards to maximise their festive spending.
The food
No Diwali celebration is complete without a tantalising spread of traditional snacks and sweets. Many families uphold the tradition of preparing various Indian treats at home.
If you're not adept in the kitchen, ready-made mixes are widely available to help you whip up delicious sweets effortlessly.
Prioritise your cooking by planning meals in advance and preparing time-consuming ingredients such as cutting vegetables and making pastes ahead of the festival day. This preparation allows you to focus on enjoying the festivities with family and friends.
Festival of lights
Finally, adorn your home in honour of the festival of lights! Your decorations don’t need to be extravagant; simple yet effective touches will bring your home to life.
Use colourful craft materials, fairy lights, tea lights, and upcycled items to create a beautiful ambience. If you have outdoor space, consider safely setting off firecrackers to drive away any lingering negativity, embracing the true essence of Diwali.
Just remember to handle any flammable items with care to ensure a safe celebration.