The season of soirées is here and whether or not you’re hosting a big bash, prepping the house for Diwali is an annual ritual steeped in tradition. From deep cleaning your space to indulging in good food to gifting meaningfully, here are our recommendations on how to enjoy the upcoming festive season with positivity and awareness.

Cleaning

While washing walls, deep cleaning cabinets and scrubbings fans are the usual modus operandi, use this exercise to declutter and not just dust. Take inspiration from Marie Kondo’s widely popular mantra: if it doesn’t spark joy, out it goes. Put on your favourite music and declutter your wardrobe, fridge, bathroom cabinets and storage spaces. Share At Door Step makes it extremely convenient to donate old clothing, books and even furniture to local NGOs.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to also clean the lamps, thaalis and other Diwali paraphernalia to save time later on. 

Decorating

One simple way to spread cheer this Diwali is to use your decoration budget to support local artisans by swapping mass-manufactured, plastic string lights with biodegradable, earthen diyas. Earthen diyas add a rustic touch to your festive home décor, plus, they can be reused multiple times with cooking oil. Rangoli, an art form that welcomes growth, luck and prosperity, doesn’t need to stick to chemical colours either. Use pulses, fresh flowers and powdered spices to make your own creative patterns.

Pro Tip: A fun project for the entire family to bond over is to craft DIY buntings out of old newspapers and colourful paint. 

Celebrating

Whether you’re hosting an intimate do or a large party, your Diwali celebration should be fun for both your guests and yourself. Use fresh flowers and traditional patterned linen to create a festive settling. Make sure to demarcate a zone for those who want to play cards; there are also fun party games like Watch Ya Mouth and Intervention that will get belly laughs out of those involved. Keep the menu focused on easy-to-eat finger foods as people drink, schmooze and play games. A fun playlist will make the festivities a roaring success.

Pro tip: A DIY gin bar with fresh herbs, fruits and dry spices will be an instant hit.

Indulging

‘Tis the season when most of us allow ourselves to indulge in Indian sweets and other Diwali treats. For a more differentiated experience, check out a few new-age mithai stores. Varq by Indian Delight in Mumbai makes sweets after consulting their in-house nutritionist while Arq in New Delhi uses organic ingredients to make delicacies with unusual flavour combinations like besan-truffle ladoos and caramel pedhas. The indulgence doesn’t stop at sweets. The first day of Diwali celebration is Dhanteras and it is considered auspicious to buy gold, silver or household objects made of metal on this day. Use it as an opportunity to indulge in something you’ve had your eye on for a while; while metal is the traditional purchase there’s no harm in getting yourself a Kindle or Amazon Echo Dot if that’s what you really appreciate.

Pro tip: Dhanteras is also the time to worship the God of Ayurveda or Hindu medicine, Dhanvantri. In South India, this is celebrated with an Abhangya snaan (bath) using herbal oils and sandalwood but you could get a relaxing Ayurvedic massage or scrub at your favourite spa instead. 

Gifting

Nothing is more uninspired than the Indian habit of circulating sweet n dry fruit platters from one home to another during festive season. Gifting says more about your own personality than the person receiving the present. Instead of typical items consider gifting a shrub in an attractive planter which is a welcome addition to most homes. A cane basket filled with healthy ingredients like cold pressed oils, nut butters and millets would also be appreciated by many. Never underestimate the value in handmade gifts like baked goods, crafty décor or homemade beauty products. Nothing says you’re special like that kind of personal touch.

Pro tip: Go low-waste by using old newspapers for gift wrapping, a sprig of fresh flowers on top will make the packaging look very upcycle-chic    

Embodying

Diwali lights are symbolic of the triumph of good over evil so do keep this philosophy in mind through the next month. Reflect on your own behavior over the past year and allow yourself to observe your own negative thoughts and behaviors so you can have true progress in resolving them. Instead of copying and pasting WhatsApp forwards, write a special note to the special people in your lives to let them how much they mean to you. Be kind to your body as well; after a heavy night of partying, detox with some sugarcane juice. Align your mental, physical and spiritual self to the sparkle and joy that comes with the festival of lights to experience it in a more meaningful manner.

Pro tip: When you give your staff their annual bonuses, thank them for their hard work and perhaps add something special for their children too.