Friday, September 29, 2006

Diwali Decorations



There are a number of traditional decorative items that are employed during Deepavali in by Hindu to decorate their houses. Apart from bringing a new look to the houses, the decorations also bring a pleasant feeling of the festival. The decorations add to the joy of the occasion. Decoration is one of the many activities associated that mark the festival.

The first item of decoration is the string of mango leaves tied at the top of the main door to the house. Mango leaves are a symbol of newness. People tie the string early in the morning. Apart from the string of mango leaves, Torans or Door Hangings are decked on the main door to the house and the puja room (the room in which the deity is housed) where Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped. The Door Hangings are handmade and are ornamented with embroidery, bells, beads, shells, mirrors etc. Door Hangings or Torans are in vogue these days and make a decent decoration for Diwali.

The word Diwali is a modified form of the Sanskrit word ‘Deepavali’, which means a row of lamps. That is why the lamps are an inherent part of the festival. For Diwali, small oil lamps made of clay are lighted and arranged in rows. The lamps are made in different sizes and patterns, varying from the complex Rajasthani types to the plain earthen lamps of clay. The rows of lamps adorn the house on either side of the entrance. This arrangement is made to guide Goddess Lakshmi when she visits every house, right from the pompous palace to the humble hut. Lights also indicate the victory of light over darkness.

Aromatic candles are another decorative item for Diwali. They are available in many shapes and designs. Lighting candles and placing them in a glass pot full with water to float and decorating them with flower petals is an auspicious activity on Diwali day. Diwali lanterns and lamps are made in many shapes from different materials such as clay, glass, brass and marble. These Diwali decorations make a room aesthetically pleasant. Diwali lamps are marvelous gifts to order for self and near and dear. These lights hang from balconies, are wound around a tree or arranged as series of bulbs. They create an exciting atmosphere with their sparkling radiance.

Wall Hangings with the images of Lord Ganesha and Goddess Lakshmi are another popular Diwali decorative item. These hangings with the artistic and cultural touch are favored by people. Cloth panels with embroidery also form part of Deepavali decorations. Idols of Gods and Goddesses are an inherent part of this grand festival. Rangolis are another beautiful art form. Different patterns with innovative combinations adorn the entrances to houses with young girls competing to outdo each other. All the places will have a charged atmosphere during Diwali celebrations.

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