Diwali, the festival of lights, is more than just sparkle and sweets—it’s a celebration of renewal, warmth, and togetherness. But what if this year, your home radiates not just beauty but also conscious choices? Let’s explore how to deck up your space sustainably, repurposing Navratri décor and using items that are reusable, biodegradable, or already in your home.
1. Repurpose Navratri Decor: Give It a Diwali Twist
Navratri brings with it a riot of colors, fabrics, and florals. Instead of packing it all away, here’s how to give it a second life:
Garlands & Torans: Reuse marigold or mango leaf garlands as door hangings. Add fairy lights or bells for a Diwali upgrade.
Fabric Backdrops: Those vibrant dupattas or sarees used during Navratri can become table runners, curtain accents, or wall drapes.
Decorative Pots & Kalash: Paint them with natural colors or wrap them in jute for a rustic Diwali vibe.
2. DIY Decor from Everyday Items
You don’t need to buy new to make your home glow. Look around—your Diwali magic is already there.
Glass Jar Lanterns: Upcycle old jam jars with lace, jute, or colored paper. Drop in a tealight and voilà!
Thali Centerpieces: Use steel or brass thalis layered with diyas, flowers, and grains like rice or pulses for a traditional yet eco-friendly centerpiece.
Paper Rangoli: Cut colored paper scraps into rangoli patterns. Bonus: they’re reusable and kid-friendly!
3. Natural & Biodegradable Touches
Let nature be your decorator this Diwali.
Floral Rangoli: Use petals from roses, marigolds, chrysanthemums, or even leaves. Add turmeric and rice flour for color and texture.
Clay Diyas: Skip plastic lights and go for earthen diyas. Paint them with natural pigments or leave them raw for an earthy charm.
Banana Leaf Placemats: Hosting a festive meal? Use banana leaves as placemats—they’re biodegradable and beautiful.
4. Reusable Decor Staples
Invest once, reuse forever.
Fabric Lanterns & Buntings: Stitch or buy cloth lanterns and buntings that can be folded and stored for years.
Jute & Cane Decor: Think tealight holders, baskets, and trays made from jute, cane, or bamboo. They add texture and are planet-friendly.
Terracotta Figurines: Use them as puja decor or table accents. They’re timeless and sustainable.
5. Conscious Lighting Choices
Let your lights shine responsibly.
Solar String Lights: Perfect for balconies and gardens. They charge during the day and glow all night.
Beeswax Candles: A cleaner alternative to paraffin candles, with a subtle honey scent.
LEDs Over Incandescents: If you must go electric, choose LEDs—they consume less power and last longer.
Final Touch: A Mindful Glow
This Diwali, let your home reflect not just tradition but transformation. By repurposing Navratri decor, choosing natural materials, and embracing reusable pieces, you’re not just decorating—you’re storytelling. A story of culture, care, and conscious celebration.
This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.