Deck up your house this Diwali

The glorious festival of lights - Diwali is just round the corner. No doubt every Delhiite is busy brooming and dusting his or her house these days, but the most important finishing touches remain the final Diwali decorations. Fortunately, our flea markets are already stocking up on an inexhaustible variety of lights, lanterns, diya and other decorative stuff to dress up your house with. Read on to know more.

Lajpat Nagar is radiant with a flurry of designer diyas and lanterns these days. Shopkeeper Ramesh Chand says, “We have everything from earthen, metal, glass and terracotta to paper lanterns. These are coming in beautiful designs and perforation patterns and can be affixed anywhere in the house, especially the outdoor areas with simple bulbs. Bulbous Chinese lanterns, though slightly off tradition, also look nice.”

As for earthen diyas, he says, “Choose between the regular cupped ones to those shaped as leaves, palms of a lady, swastika, five cornered, lotus, rose, peacock and mango motif. These are besides designer pillar candles, square candles, container candles, votive candles and T-light candles which add to the charm of your house at a festive time.”

Floating candles have become a staple in markets in the past few years as more and more people use a combination of flowers and floating candles to light up every dark corner. Vinita Garg, who owns a showroom in Sarojini market, says, “They are available in so many colours these days, they are sure to steal your heart as well those of your visitors. And don’t forget to pair them with flowers as they would look lonely in a pond otherwise.”

In fact, one can buy a good amount of fresh flowers, particularly marigold in different hues and rose petals to make the always-loved rangoli. Interior decorator Shailaja Manchanda says, “Nothing quite suits a traditional household as a rangoli decorated with not just flowers but diyas, lamps and small idols placed at the right points.”

And don’t forget the lights and taurans (hangings) to welcome the festival. “Chinese small twinkling lights, though, they don’t last very long, have added a huge variety to our own range. They are available in many shapes and really deck up the house like a bride. Hang taurans at the doorstep to greet visitors and visiting deities.”