Celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights,with some glitzy Diwali decorations, mouth-watering Diwali recipes and gifts that can lit your mood.

And it signifies the beginning of Hindu New Year…my 2020 will end next month thanks to Diwali! You all enjoy the rest though (wink).  

Diwali is one of the most beautiful festivals in the world. It is a Hindu festival of light and it usually lasts for five days. Diwali symbolizes- the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. The festival is usually between October and November, with the date changing every year. This year celebrations will be on 14th November. 

The word Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word deepavali – deep means lighted lamp and vali means row. Rows of lighted lamps…

 

How is Diwali celebrated?

It is believed that on Diwali Goddess Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity) visits each house to bless her devotees. So, cleanliness is the essence of this festival. People start cleaning all the corners of the house, and decorate it with beautiful lights, flowers and rangoli. 

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It’s also a time to celebrate it with family and friends. People enjoy Diwali with sumptuous meals, they exchange gifts, have fun and make everlasting memories.

I may not be the best person to highlight the prayer rituals of Diwali as it is different for different communities in India. But the essence of celebration remains the same – love, purity and devotion.

How to plan perfect Diwali party?

Diwali is a perfect time to throw a party. Due to CoVID and the rising number of case, Diwali party might look a little different but the essence of the celebration remains the same. Diwali decors, recipes and other ideas will lift your environment with positivity and celebration, even though you are celebrating virtually. Here is the list of essentials to plan a perfect Diwali party to enjoy with your loved ones. 

Diwali Decors

As I said before, cleanliness is the main essence of this festival. It is important to clean every corner of your house to attract positivity and happiness. Decorate it with beautiful lights, flowers and rangoli. Here are some perfect decor ideas to uplift your celebration mood.

1. Lights – Illuminate your world:

Diwali is the Festival of Lights so this is the most important part of the Diwali decor. You can use candles, diyas (clay lamps) and floating diyas to add a touch of tranquility. You can also use LED lights in different colors, shape or style to decorate the interior or exterior of your house. Why not DIY a paper lantern!

 

2. Floral fusion:

Marigold is the traditional flower of this festival. However, you don’t have to limit yourself to marigolds, you can decorate your house with other beautiful flowers like carnations, roses, lilies etc. There’s nothing more stunning than crafting a DIY arrangement  for the festival.

3. Rangoli- Floor Folk Art:

Rangoli is a colorful art in which designs are made on the floor using powdered and colored rice, colored sand or flower petals. It is made at the entrance of the house to bring good luck and prosperity. You can also use rangoli patterns that can be placed around the house. Find rangoli wall and floor stickers with stunning designs.

Diwali Food Menu

Diwali celebration is incomplete without a mouth-watering Indian delicacies. Even if you’re celebrating virtual Diwali this year, try these recipes to make the festival special. Forget calories for a day!

Recipes for Diwali

1. Dal Makhani- Slow cooked creamy dal makhani is a perfect dish for any occasion.

 

 

2. Butter Chicken-  Aromatic chicken in a scintillating thick gravy can make you land in food paradise. Check out the recipe, here.

3.  Veg Kebabs

Kebabs is a smoky and spicy appetizer/snack that is served with mint chutney (sauce). The main ingredient usually is a chicken but it can also be given a vegetarian twist too. Here is Dahi Kabab where the main ingredient is hung yogurt/Greek yogurt. Find the recipe here.

 

 

4. Jeera Rice: Jeera or cumin rice can accompany any gravy. This recipe can never fail!

 

 

5. Naan: No Indian dinner menu is without a flatbread like naan,  tandoori rotis or different varieties of rotis. I am biased towards garlic naan so I am including it in the list. You can find the Garlic Naan Recipe without yeast… here.

 

Sweets Recipes for Diwali 

Any Indian festival is incomplete without sweets. You must have a variety of sweets in your menu that can tantalize your taste buds. Sweets like Kalakand, Besan Laddoos, Gajar halwa, Kaju Katli  are extremely popular in Diwali. You can find 11 Quick and easy Diwali sweets recipes here.

Diwali party ideas, themes, and games 

Party Theme

You can opt for a Bollywood themed party with guests enjoying Hindi songs and dance. Also, you can keep a dress code for your party – Indian traditional attires with a bling of gold! Show your Bollywood moves…

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Games:

In my part of the world, Diwali is incomplete without card games till midnight. Teen Patti (Indian Poker), rummy, poker and blackjack are the card games widely played in Diwali. Set up a table or two with playing chips and a present for the winner. You can also have a casino themed party.

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Other games:

Dumb Charades, Tambola, Rangoli contests or Antakshari (Indian singing game where players start singing with last letter of any word) are some popular options for entertainment. You can also do some Diwali art and craft activities with kids to keep them engaged and entertained. 

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Gift Ideas for Diwali

Exchanging gifts with friends and family is an unmissable feature of Diwali celebration. These gifts can be as simple as exchanging sweet boxes, gift cards or a hamper of dry fruits. The idea is to let your friends and family know how much you love and care for them. This year it’s so important to support small businesses in your community. 

Diwali is all about spreading positivity, light and happiness. This year it will be a little different but no one can stop you from celebrating. Virtual party will make you feel closer to your family and friends.

And, probably, this is the perfect time to flaunt my sacred avatar. This is from the last year’s Diwali party but, nevertheless, I want you to appreciate my saree drape…you can feel my pain. I love sarees!

Do share your Diwali experience? I hope you liked the post.

Lots or Love

xoxo