Diwali Decoration Ideas

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If you are looking for ethnic decor items and ideas to decorate your home this Diwali, this post should help. Get some inspiring ideas that’ll help you welcome the festive season with a bang!

If you moved to the US over a decade ago, you’ll probably remember that getting your hands on the Diwali decor wasn’t easy. Either you had to wait for a trip to India or hope that your Indian store would mercifully import a few items so that you could decorate your house.

Fortunately, that is not the case anymore, thanks to Etsy and the scores of ethnic Indian home decor stores that we can find on the internet.

This year we moved to a new house, and I couldn’t wait to deck out our new abode for Diwali. After spending an extensive amount of time looking for cute pieces online, I made a list of items that I absolutely fell in love with.

Since I already did the groundwork, I thought of sharing it with you so that you can get your shopping done quickly. There are no photos yet because I am waiting for my shipment to arrive, but I’ll post them soon.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links here are affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you click on the link or make a purchase using the link. I only recommend products that I use and love myself, so I know you’ll be in good hands.

Home Decor – Tips

Before you buy any decor for your house, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Measure twice, buy once – Always measure the area you are going to place your decor in, to prevent returns.
• Start with a plan in mind – I have been guilty in the past of buying things that are pretty without planning where I’d place them. Make sure you decide where the piece will go before you buy it.
• Don’t do it all at once – You can build your collection of Indian festive decor over the years – don’t feel the pressure to splurge at once.

Outside decor

Toran / Bandhanwar

Here are a few of my favorite ones –

• Kundan Pearl Toran / Bandhanwar – This 40-inch toran can be customized and looks gorgeous on entryways.
• Marigold with mango leaves thoran – This handcrafted thoran would look great over your entryway as well as on the fireplace mantle. Here’s another option that I think you’ll like: Mogra mantle decor.
• Elephant toran with gold leaves – This handmade, 36-inch elephant toran is adorable. Another option that is similar and in the same price range is this golden Ganesh toran.

Wreath

• Ganesha hanging – I ordered this Ganesha hanging to be hung outside the door. I think they’ll go really well with this diya holder.
• “Happy Diwali” wood round wreath – This hand-painted wreath is so vibrant and looks absolutely stunning!

Inside decor

Urli

Most folks set up an urli near the main door to create a welcoming ambiance. If you are not sure what an urli is, think of it as a decorative bowl often made with brass. It is filled with water and is often used filled with flower petals or floating candles. Set it up near your main door to welcome your visitors.

Here are a few urlis that you’ll love –

• Brass urli – Beautifully crafted with ancient hammering and shaping techniques, this urli made from brass is exquisite.
• Handcrafted urli – This 12-inch urli is also made with iron and has a brass finish. I love the rose detail on it.
• Floating diyas – You’ll need floating diyas to add to your urli. Adding flower petals to the urlis is also another option.

Flowers for entryway, stairways, and fireplace

• Marigold strings – These are approximately 6 feet in length. They are great for entryways and around windows. If you want one with bells for your stairway, check this one out – Marigold strings with bells (it’s 14 inches).
• Parrot PomPom side hanging – I bought these to hang on the stairways.
• Flower rangoli – Making rangolis from flower petals can be a time-consuming process – that’s why this floral rangoli is the perfect solution for folks who don’t have the time.
• Handmade flower rangoli set – I adore this floral rangoli set that comes with handcrafted candleholders. It is a beautiful statement piece that you can place at the entrance of your home.

Diyas

• Diya holder – This Ganpati matki diya holder is gorgeous. I have ordered two of these and can’t wait to see how they look.
• Blocks rangoli tealight holder – Handmade by the skillful artisans of Rajasthan, these wooden tealight holders are pieces of art.
• Flower Diya thali – This diya thali has red and yellow flowers on a wooden base with a tea light in the center. I bought these and will share the pics once I receive it!
• Diyas – These clay diyas come in a variety of colors and shapes – plus, if you are an Amazon prime member, you’ll receive them very quickly. They also make great gifts! What I love about them is that they can be used as an oil lamp, and they hold tealights too!
• Electric diya hanging lights – If you like electric diyas, these vertical diyas are a perfect fit for you. They are made from plastic and coated in an elegant matte brown finish for an earthen look. 
• Battery tea lights – These will look great on stairway steps. These flameless tealight candles come with pre-installed batteries – each battery lasts for at least 150 hours.

Crafts/gifts for kids

• Paint your diyas – This craft kit contains 2 unpainted diyas, 1 ‘Happy Diwali’ coloring card, 1 cardboard rangoli, 1 paper uncolored toran with ribbon and stickers, 6 striking paint colors, and 1 paintbrush. It’s the perfect activity for kids who love art.
• Plushies (Baby Ganesh, Krishna, and Hanuman) – Which kid doesn’t like plushies? What’s amazing about this soft toy is that these cute 6-inch soft toys play mantras too!
• Bird hangings with bells – These cute, handmade cotton bird garlands will add a pop of color to your kid’s room.

Powder rangolis can be messy when you have young children, but there are ways to make rangolis and involve the kids in the process. Here are a few that I really like –

• Wooden rangoli crafts for kids – There are so many different ways to use this wooden rangoli kit – you can paint, bejewel, glitter, and stain them.
• Rangoli Mandala Circular floor puzzle – This puzzle is a blend of fun, family time, and independent play, tied in with a cultural story.

Diwali gifts/gift boxes

• Marble handi hamper – This cute hamper includes a jute box with a Happy Diwali / Ganpati motif, a pair of marble pots, and a Diwali card.
• Nostalgic gift pack – This super reasonably priced gift pack comes with a cute bag with a small pickle jar.
• Mega Diwali hamper – If you buy this gift box of Diwali decor, it’ll be hard to part with it. It comes with a beautiful clutch, block printing elephant key holder, studded meenakari elephants, printing blocks for decorations, and a few more exquisite items.

Where to buy festive Indian home decor

• Desi Favors – a great place to shop for decor for any festival, and they have a good collection of party favors too.
• Shagun Arts and Crafts – I bought a ton of Diwali decor from this online store. I am yet to receive them, and when I do, I’ll update this post with pictures.
• Kulture Khazana – This is a great site for Indian-themed puzzles and books.
• Etsy – I love to shop at this online store. Just make sure to keep an eye on the shipping costs before you decide which vendor to buy from.

Other helpful resources and links

This list wouldn’t have been possible if I hadn’t received help and guidance from the following friends and fellow bloggers. Do follow their blog and Instagram for inspirational recipes and home decor tips –

• Manali Singh (blog + Instagram) – She shares an amazing and exhaustive list of Indian desserts on her blog. Manali also has a hidden talent – she knows where to find all the cool things be it finger-licking food or kitchenware & home decor stuff.
• Rupali Agarwal (blog + Instagram) – Her themed party ideas will bowl you over. She also shares some great entertaining tips on her blog. Check out her post for some fabulous ideas on decorating for Diwali.
• Meeta Arora (blog + Instagram) – I got a ton of Diwali decor ideas from her Instagram stories! Follow her for easy Instant Pot and Air fryer recipes/tips. Also, get delicious recipe ideas catered towards toddlers and kids.
• Nisha Vedi Pawar (blog + Instagram) – She wrote an extensive guide on Diwali gift guide. Definitely check it out!