From tealights to lED sticks, the traditional diya has some good competition in festive decoration. Ankita Jain reports
As the city is gearing up for the big day, we take a sneak peak at festive lighting trends in the market. While many creative designs are available, the traditional diyas are 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. This little earthenware lamp will never go out of style.
Alike last year even 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. And stores like Westside and Shoppers Stop have introduced special combos for diyas and they come in a pack of 7 and 16.
Apart from matka diyas, 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.
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,” said the manager of a luxurious home décor store, Beyond Designs.
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. “lighting can make or break an interior. Today, lighting is an integral part of interior designing, as people have realised how correct use of lighting and right choice of lamp fixtures can accentuate their homes. It’s all about creativity and having an eye for design,” said Monica Chawla, creative design head at Essentia Environments. This interior design outlet at Gurugram is also offering a wide range of spectacular lamps and chandeliers that promise to pep up your home. Another range of jeweled lamps and candle stands from Fennel will add a contemporary look at your place.
Even the online sites like Room Therapy have launched a stunning range of Diwali lighting and scented candles that would definitely set the festive mood. “For this festive season, we have come up with a whole new range of wall art, candle décor, accessories and furniture that fit an urban home. It is available at our Hyderabad store and also online. India modern is a theme that we are inspired by and it’s not only new meet old, it is rather what exactly a modern Indian wants today,” elaborated Sona Reddy, design head at Room Therapy.
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 and are easily available at some of our traditional markets like Chandni Chowk and Paharganj at a take away price between INR 50-100.