Diwali, the festival of lights, goes beyond mere celebration, it has a cultural and spiritual significance. It symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and the triumph of goodness over malevolence. People have traditionally engaged in the practice of cleaning and decorating their households in preparation for Diwali, a custom that holds significance both culturally and spiritually. Vastu Shastra, an ancient architectural science originating from India, emphasizes that a clean and well-organized living space attracts positive energies and prosperity. People clean every corner meticulously to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and abundance into their homes. Living spaces, including the decor that adheres to the principles of Vastu, enhance the positive energies within a space by ensuring that the home harmonizes effectively with the natural and spatial forces surrounding it.
Ganesha in Kadam Wood Carving by Om Prakash
Indian handicrafts provide an excellent opportunity to infuse your living space with the joyful spirit of celebration. Numerous traditional crafting techniques can be employed to celebrate Diwali in an auspicious manner, ranging from intricately crafted handmade torans, or decorative door hanging, to elegant brass artefacts. Here are ten ways to style your Diwali decor in accordance with the principles of Vastu Shastra, an ancient science that focuses on the constant flow of energy, which will not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home but also align it with positive energy.
Dolon Kundu's Terracotta Mango Diya
Torans or Bandhanwars
You can hang a Toran (or Bandhanwar), a decorative door hanging, at the front door of the house to greet guests and protect good energy.
According to Vastu, it blocks bad energy, letting only good intentions into the house. Temporary torans can be made using marigold flowers or mango leaves that stand for freshness, wealth, and luck. Add a touch of Indian tradition by incorporating symbols from the traditional arts and crafts of the country.
Sustainability Series: Upcycle Old newspapers into a Wall Toran with Warli Art
Decor Ideas:
- Pick torans made from earth-friendly materials like cotton or wool to be kind to nature.
- Go for old-school beadwork or stitched fabric torans to add some art to your space.
Rangoli or Mandana
Rangoli, Kolam or Mandana are different names for floor decorating traditions across India. It is a special art prepared by women of the house on the floor, near the entrance to welcome Goddess Lakshmi. According to Vastu, floor paintings clean the space and bring good energy. The concentric circles, dots and lines create a universe in itself.
Decor Ideas:
- While it is ideal to create your own floor painting, it is not feasible for many. Keeping this in mind, you can choose the floor paintings created by the Master Artists and keep them framed on the floor. This can later be used as a decor piece adorning the walls of your house.
Here is the idea of Mandana's design showing Celestial Odyssey: Zodiac Signs and Planets and The Expression of Festivities by Master Artist Vidya Soni.
Celestial Odyssey: Zodiac Signs and Planets in Mandana by Vidya Soni
The Expression of Festivities: Mandana by Vidya Soni
Diyas and Lamps
People light diyas, or earthen lamps, to depict the victory of light over darkness, or good over evil. Placing diyas in the right spot of your house as per vastu would remove the negative energy, and bring in the positive energy. The ideal place to place the earthen lamps is on the threshold of the houses, the windows, corners of the room, and the Brahmasthana, or the centre of the house.
Decor Ideas:
- Apart from the normal earthen diyas, one can add unique lamps of blue pottery, block print, or stylised terracotta diyas. They would add a touch of cultural and artistic flair to your house and can be repurposed after the festivities.
- Choosing tall accent lamps made out of brass or in Tholu Bommalata would brighten up the corners of your house.
Celestial Love: Tholu Lamps of Radha and Krishna Amidst the Darkness by Kanday Anjanappa
Moment of Love: Radha and Krishna under a lush tree by Kanday Anjanappa
Brass Decor
Brass has been part of Indian culture since the Indus Valley Civilisation, with its significance rising with each consecutive civilisation. According to Vastu, similar to gold and silver, brass also attracts wealth and good energy. Brass items help energy flow better and hence make for great Diwali decor as well as gifting purposes.
Decor Ideas:
- You can put statues of Lakshmi, Ganesha and Saraswati in your prayer room to attract abundance as you worship them.
- Enhance any corner of your house by incorporating brass lamps, urlis and other objects.
Maa Saraswati's depiction in Brass Work by Pannalal Soni
Pannalal Soni's inventive aesthetics and decoratory in Brass Work
Candle holders with lotus border in Moradabad Metal Craft by Mohd. Amir
Eco-Friendly Decor
Eco-friendly decor items are not only sustainable but also fit into the Vastu principles. According to it, Items made from eco-friendly materials such as Sikki grass, jute, or recycled paper bring elements of nature into the home, thus creating harmony and balance. These handicrafts are biodegradable and eco-friendly, making them an apt gift idea for your loved ones and the planet.
Decor Ideas:
- Use Sikki grass baskets or wall hangings to add a rustic charm to your house.
- Incorporate jute runners or placemats in the dining area to add natural texture to your space.
Majestic Peacock in Sikki Grass work by Suraj Kumar Sahu
Add Auspicious Symbols on the entrance
According to Vastu Shastra, your house entrance is the most sensitive area since it invites energy into the house. Decorate this area with sacred symbols, like Om-Swastik, Shubh-Labh, and Riddhi-Siddhi, to ensure only positive energy enters while the negative energy stays at bay. These signs symbolise good luck, prosperity, and peace; hence, they are a must during Diwali celebrations. Since they are considered auspicious, they can also be used for gifting purposes.
Decor Ideas:
- Add the auspicious symbols in authentic Tanjore style, made with 24K gold foil.
Om and Swastik : Tanjore Painting by Sanjay Tandekar
Tanjore Shubh Labh for Diwali (24k gold sheet)
Wall Art depicting stories from Hinduism
Paintings depicting stories of the deities add a sense of balance to the household according to Vastu. By incorporating paintings of Ganesha, Krishna, or Lakshmi, you would invite peace, prosperity and protection to the home. However, to get the best benefits out of such paintings, it is important to place them on the North or East walls of the house, and avoid the West and South. Such paintings make the environment spiritually uplifting and serene.
Decor Ideas:
- Use traditional Pattachitra or Madhubani paintings to add a folk-style, rural touch to the house. For more contemporary space, use Tanjore paintings that would blend well with the earthy interiors of beige, brown and gold.
Divine Family: A Mythological Tapestry of Madhubani Art, Madhubani Painting by Ambika Devi
Maa Durga Tanjore Painting by Sanjay Tandekar
Bells and Windchimes
According to the Vastu Shastra, bells and windchimes have a very important role in releasing positive vibrations. The sound produced by the ringing of bells and windchimes purifies the area by warding off negative energies. These can be installed near doors and windows to balance your home's energy. It is also suggested to use a bell made of bronze, brass or silver over the entire house to remove the stagnant and negative energy that often lingers in the house.
Decor Ideas:
- Bells made of brass or copper will be long-lasting and produce the most resonance.
- Bamboo or metal chimes can be set up in order to have a gentle, calm effect.
Tree of Life Wind Chime, Kutch Copper Bells by Salim
Traditional Wind Chime, Kutch Copper Bells by Salim
Floating Candles and Flower Arrangements
Floating candles, along with fresh flower petals, bring together serenity that can be refreshing. Vastu recommends flowers such as marigold and lotus because of their calming effects on our nerves. The floating candles will light up your home and attract positive energy, while the flowers will usher in vibrancy and prosperity.
Decor Ideas:
- Floating candles and flowers can be placed in brass or terracotta bowls to attract the best benefits.
- Aromatic candles can be placed in authentic blue pottery lamps to enhance the aesthetic and sensory experience.
Peacock Flower vase in Black Pottery by Ramjatan Prajapati
Twilight Whispers: Tealight Radiance Blue Pottery By Gopal Lal Kharol
Tea light holder in Brass work by Chanchal Chakraborty
Spiritual sculptures and idols
According to Vastu, idols of God & Goddess or spiritual sculptures kept in the prayer room or living room are considered auspicious. Idols of Ganesha, Lakshmi, and Saraswati add to the spiritual atmosphere that invites wisdom, wealth, and learning inside your house. Diwali is a great time to refurbish or add to your set of spiritual sculptures.
Decor Ideas:
- Choose idols made from eco-friendly materials like clay or wood.
- Opt for intricately designed brass or terracotta sculptures for a traditional look.
Goddess Lakshmi in Miniature Kadam Wood Carving by Gramin Arts
The idol of Ganesha in Kadam Wood Carving by Om Prakash
Decorating your living space with Vastu-compliant items during Diwali not only elevates the festive spirit but also aligns your space with positive energies that promote prosperity and well-being. Each of these decor items plays a significant role in creating a harmonious environment, making the festival peaceful and beautiful.
- Kapoor, S. Vastu for Homes: Design Your Home with the Principles of Vastu. New Delhi: Pustak Mahal, 2005.
- Pandit, B. N. Vastu Shastra: Science of Indian Architecture and Design. New Delhi: Sterling Publishers, 1999.