| Most Indian homes have access to some yardage - | | | | · Ring in the Diwali cheer with bells! Both |
| old saris too pretty to throw away and sentimental | | | | conventional and modernistic bells (some diya and |
| value stuff that doesn't go too well with today's | | | | multi-layered diya stands also come fitted with bells |
| homes designed with contemporary décor | | | | now) can be used at different heights to give an |
| principles in mind. Well, all this can be put to good use | | | | interesting effect - or even announce the presence |
| at Diwali time, an occasion for reviving traditions and | | | | of a visitor when hung in foyers and entrances. Wind |
| old-fashioned ideals - and that too, without spending | | | | chimes with bells are a popular alternative that gives |
| a lot of time or money! | | | | soft music too. |
| 3 Unique Decor Ideas - Festival Fun For Everyone | | | | · Visit the numerous Diwali melas, local NGO's |
| · You can use existing brass and copper | | | | and charities for festive sales and special products |
| 'handis' (miniature cauldrons) that are brightly polished | | | | you can pick up at a fraction of the market cost |
| as a corner decoration in your bedroom, living room, | | | | (lamps, colored, scented and floating candles, |
| at the base of a staircase or even in the Pooja | | | | wall-hangings, paper lanterns, decorated platters for |
| Room. Simply fill these with water, toss in flower | | | | serving snacks etc.) Use inexpensive urns you can |
| petals and float a tea-light/diya in the center of each | | | | decorate yourself: simple techniques include dyeing a |
| pot when dusk falls: a great alternative to artificial | | | | thick rope of any color you want, applying some |
| light that gives a soft glow to your home and | | | | adhesive and wrapping that around the earthen pot |
| enchants guests too! Sprinkle in some silver/gold dust | | | | till it's fully covered. Combine various sizes under |
| available in vials in the market to jazz up the floating | | | | mood lighting (dim/two-toned bulbs) and set them |
| flowers, if you like against a backdrop of a brocade | | | | against a traditional painting or on a brightly colored |
| sari piece mounted on the wall or made into a | | | | rug/footstool for an elegant, earthy look! |
| window screen, for added ethnic charm. | | | | |