Diyas are a symbol of tradition, hope and new beginnings and they are also an indispensable part of the ‘festival of lights’. Even as these are fast getting replaced by cheaper, more attractive and hassle free options, one cannot imagine Diwali without diyas. As the city gears up for the big day, let’s take a sneak peek at festive lighting trends.
Tealights (T-lites) or small wax candles that are encased in metal holders have been very popular for a long time thanks to the fact that they are economical, unbreakable and do not require oil. But the T-lite holder is the highlight of the season, as these make a world of difference to your décor.
They come in various shapes, sizes and colours and are made from interesting materials like plain or textured glass, metal, perforated ceramic, terracotta, wood and acrylic. From votives and hanging glass lanterns to multiple screen t-lite holders, the options are truly exotic. Floating t-lites amidst flowers in simple glassware or a brass urli makes a great decorative piece and adds a traditional touch to the ambience.
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Depending on the setting, it can be placed on a table or simply on the floor. Scented candles also offer a great soothing effect. “Light up your garden with colourful glass t-lite holders that can be inserted into flower pots or flower beds. Elegant glass lanterns and metallic gold and silver string lights are other striking festive introductions,” says a store manager at Fabindia.
This year, the government is promoting our ‘desi’ diyas and encouraging people to use traditional clay diyas. This would not only save energy but also promote our artisans. Local markets have stocked them for as low as Rs.2 per piece. Westside has introduced special red floral diyas and they come in a pack of 7 and 16. “The festive highlight would be the floating t-lites and lanterns that have battery operated lights. Also, the all
new ‘Golden lotus lantern’ comes in attractive gift packaging making it a perfect gift for Diwali,” says Prasanth, store head at Westside, Lulu. Most home décor stores have launched a stunning range of Diwali lighting and scented candles that would definitely set the festive mood. Online sites like Fabfurnish, Snapdeal and Pepperfry also offer a wide range of spectacular pieces that promise to pep up your home.
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Be it fashion, home linen, lighting or florals, the festive palette has vibrant hues of gold, red, pink, orange and yellow. Infuse these tones into your decor using pendant lamps, colorful lanterns, wall lamp shades or just plain lamp shades. For an ethnic charm, brass lamps or lamps made from handmade paper and natural sources like bamboo, cane, banana bark or jute would be a good choice.
The festive decoration is incomplete without string lights and the options are countless, be it in color, length or pattern. One could go for the regular LED lights or choose from colourful bamboo, floral or fruit shaped string lights or even self adhesive LED strips that are up to 5m long. Multicolour LED sticks, pipes, floral crystals, revolving LED lasers and waterproof LED lights are other variants in the festive collection. But the classic metallic gold cutwork string lights are a cut above the rest!
Sky lanterns or paper lanterns that can be lit and released into the sky is yet another new fad. These float in the air and have a flight height of 500 – 1000m. “
The sky lanterns and decorative diyas are the new arrivals in our festive lighting section. Fire retardant and biodegradable, the lanterns are perfectly safe and are smoke free and noise free”, says Sony Mathew, founder of The Party Store.
This Diwali, even as we light the natural elements of land, water, air and sky, let’s also remember to save energy and protect Mother Earth from pollution. Have a sparkling Diwali!