How To Do Diwali: All About The Festival Of Lights
From Diwali Decorations To Celebrations In Dubai,
Here's What To Know!
Each year, Indian communities around the world celebrate Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, a 5-day festival which is all about new beginnings, light over darkness and good over evil. Did you know that in the Indian culture, there used to be a festival every day of the year – with the idea that life should be a constant celebration (just like our ethos at BoxFetti!)?. While some of these festivals are no longer observed, Diwali remains a very important and very beautiful time of year, lighting up homes and hearts and bringing friends and families together – we love it!
We spoke to some of our friends about how they celebrate Diwali – whether you want to learn more about this wonderful festival or you’re looking for some inspo on styling your home and hosting guests, read on!
1. The spirit of giving and sharing is very high during Diwali – as is the message of taking care of people and showing kindness to the needy. Kids are encouraged to share drinks and meals with workers and the homeless. Similarly, gifts are exchanged between family and friends – especially homemade food and sweets.
BoxFetti Tip: Why not fill our Fiesta Food Baskets with Indian sweets from bikanervala (according to our Indian friends these are amazing!!) to share out? Or you can always try baking your own treats to gift too!
2. The start of the festive season includes deep cleaning the house and decorating with fairy lights, marigold flower garlands, floating candles and colourful home accessories to add a special glow and vibe. Rangoli patterns are created using rice or dry colour powders – this is a lovely family activity that brings many generations together.
Clay or copper diya (little lamps) are a must – lighting the diya on Diwali night is a very old tradition which celebrates the win of truth and courage over darkness.
BoxFetti Tip: Decorate the house with our beautiful Multi-Coloured Diwali Paper Fan Decorations, hang our Gold Happy Diwali Banner, String up our Colourful Pom Pom Fairy Lights and Gold Wire LED lights and dot our Gold and Silver Tealight Holders around for plenty of atmosphere.
Gift or light our beautiful Copper Top Candles limited edition Diwali Candles – made using only natural soy wax and essential oils and hand poured in small batches – they smell completely divine.
3. Typcally, families host Diwali parties where kids can paint clay diya, craft a paper lantern, bake sweets together and wear traditional Indian attire.
This is a festival which focuses on food, family, gratefulness and connection and traditionally family generations come together to pray and celebrate with delicious home made Indian dishes.
BoxFetti Tip: Setting a beautiful table to display all of your Diwali sweets and treats is a must! If you have lots of friends popping in then our Multi Coloured Diwali Paper Plates and Cups are perfect. Arrange food on our Diwali Grazing Board and leave out Happy Diwali napkins. Decorate your table with Colourful Glass Candle Holders filled with Boho Spice Orange and Pink Dinner Candles, dotted amongst Tissue Paper Flowers.
4. Want to go out? In Dubai you can enjoy a gorgeous traditional Diwali buffet at kaleidoscope in Atlantis which has a massive spread of Indian deserts and dishes (yes please!). Other popular places to dine are Amal , Mint Leaf London , Taj Dubai and Khyber. And if you’re after some very traditional Diwali vibes, head down to Bur Dubai area where the streets are packed with people celebrating the Festival of Lights and visit the new Indian temple which opened this week and which welcomes everyone.