20 Best Creative Ideas to Celebrate Diwali | Diwali creative ideas
Diwali is a five-day-long festival and probably one of the biggest festivals of Hindus. It’s a time when the family comes together to celebrate this festival. It’s also a time when there are so much work and planning during this time. What food what decoration what crackers how to keep children occupied and what not? Phew…that’s not all.
When is Diwali in 2023?
This year Diwali is on 12th November 2023. Although the festival will start from 10th November 2023 with Dhanteras celebration.
Creative Ways to Celebrate Diwali Festivities
Diwali, one of the biggest festivals in India, calls for joyful celebrations full of light, delicious foods, and quality time with loved ones. Make your Diwali celebrations especially memorable this year with these creative ideas.
Fun Ways to Celebrate Diwali at Home
Make your home festive for Diwali with these decoration, activity and tradition ideas:
Light Up Every Corner
- Place diyas around the house and light them every evening to spread the warm glow of Diwali.
- Outline windows, doors and balcony railings with fairy lights for a dreamy look.
- Arrange diyas or oil lamps in paper bowls and float them in garden pools or fountains.
Decorate a Diwali Mandap
- Create a mini golu with idols of deities, toys and offerings to symbolize inviting goddess Lakshmi home.
- Sit together as a family each evening to sing aartis and read the Panchang in front of the Diwali mandap.
- Use a low platform, shelves or the pooja room to arrange your Diwali mandap decoratively.
Craft Beautiful Rangolis
- Make rangoli at your home entrance with colored powders, rice flour or flower petals in traditional patterns.
- Use rangoli stencils to create ornate designs like the lotus, peacock and geometric shapes.
- Involve kids in making eco-friendly rangolis from dried flowers, grains, pulses, spices, or potpourri.
Dress Up in Festive Wear
- Purchase new ethnic clothes and jewelry to wear this Diwali.
- Click stylish family photos dressed in your traditional best against Diwali decor backdrops.
- Attend community celebrations dressed up to bring in the festive spirit.
Firecrackers and Phuljharis
- Decorate outdoors with colorful sparklers and phuljharis for a magical Diwali night.
- Burst mini crackers and whizzing fountains safely maintaining distance.
- Check for local fireworks shows and enjoy community displays.
Diwali Sweets and Snacks
- Prepare traditional sweets like gujiya, shankarpali, kaju katli and kheer in your kitchen.
- Gift colorful mithai boxes to friends, family and service providers as part of Diwali favors.
- Infuse dishes with seasonal produce like berries, pumpkin, pearl onions and root vegetables.
Diwali Party at Home
- Host a Diwali celebration dinner party at home for family, friends or colleagues.
- Decorate with lights, torans, flowers, and serve festive dishes and desserts.
- Play music, organize games and performances to make it a fun-filled evening.
Diwali Special Movie Nights
- Watch your favorite Diwali-themed Bollywood movies together at home.
- Try classics like Mohabbatein, Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge and more.
- Create a comfy movie watching space with blankets, pillows and Diwali snacks.
Share Childhood Diwali Memories
- Reminisce about your most special childhood Diwali memories from holidays, foods, traditions and more.
- Dig up old Diwali photos from family albums to reminisce and laugh together.
- Let grandparents narrate their Diwali stories to pass down nostalgic memories.
10 Best Creative Ideas to Celebrate Diwali in the Office
Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of the most awaited festivals in India. Also known as Deepawali, it symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali celebrations spread joy and bring people together through colorful festivities.
Since Diwali is such an important festival, offices also celebrate it with great enthusiasm. This year, make your office Diwali celebrations fun and memorable for all employees with these creative ideas.
1. Decorate the Office Premises
Decorating the office is one of the best ways to set the festive mood for Diwali. Go beyond stringing fairy lights and also add:
- Torans made of marigold flowers and mango leaves over doorways
- Rangolis at office entrances made from colored rice or flower petals
- Diyas placed around desks, cabins, and corridor corners
- Miniature oil lamps floating in glass bowls as centerpieces
- Gold and silver streamers hanging from ceilings
- Embellished walls with festive hangings and paintings
Make sure the decorations are minimal fire hazards and not obstructing exits or pathways. Encourage employees to decorate their own cabins and desks too.
2. Organize a Diwali Lunch
Food is central to Indian festivals, so a potluck Diwali lunch at office is perfect. Have everyone contribute traditional sweets and snacks like gujiya, shankarpali, chivda, and chakli.
You can also order in a special catered meal complete with puran poli, sabudana vada, paneer makhanwala, and other festive delicacies. Decorate the lunch area with diyas and torans to complement the celebratory feast.
3. Host a Diwali Party with Music and Performances
An office Diwali party allows everyone to let their hair down and join in celebrations together. Have an informal gathering after work with sweets, music, performances, and activities.
You can even hire a professional DJ to amp up the music and fun. Have employees give dance or singing performances. Play Antakshari and organize entertainment activities like musical chairs or dance offs. Hand out small Diwali gifts for attendees.
Make it a memorable evening before the extended holiday weekend.
4. Play Diwali Games
Incorporate traditional Diwali games and activities into the office celebrations. These options are great for virtual parties or in-office fun:
- Raffle off Diwali gift hampers
- Organize Diwali treasure hunts around the office
- Host a virtual Diwali quiz or bingo game
- Have employees compete in teams to build the tallest rangoli or clay diya
- Reward teams who craft the best Diwali greetings
- Share pictures of employees celebrating past Diwalis for a blast from the past
5. Do a Diwali Photo Contest
Engage all employees by having a Diwali photo contest. Have people submit pictures of how they celebrate the Festival of Lights:
- Decorating homes
- Lighting diyas and candles
- Making rangolis and lanterns
- Wearing new traditional outfits
- Cooking feasts
- Bursting firecrackers
Judge the best photos and give prizes. Compile all entries into a beautiful Diwali photo album to share digitally with the entire office.
6. Organize a Virtual Diwali Party
With hybrid or fully remote teams, virtual celebrations make employees feel included. Host a digital Diwali party over video conference with these ideas:
- Send e-gift cards or gift boxes to attendees
- Email a Diwali sweets recipe kit they can make during the party
- Hire live entertainment like musical performances
- Play virtual Diwali games and contests to win prizes
- Share a digital Diwali greeting card for everyone to sign
- Take a group screenshot or photo with a fun digital background
7. Plan a Diwali Activity for Charity
Use Diwali to give back through charity activities like:
- Assembling care packages or food kits for the underprivileged
- Volunteering at a shelter or old age home
- Donating books, clothes and gifts to children in need
- Fundraising for a nonprofit organization
- Packing Diwali gift hampers for staff at hospitals, shelters etc.
- Spending the day sprucing up a community center
8. Screen a Diwali-Themed Movie
If working in office, screen a popular Bollywood movie with a Diwali theme after work hours. Some options:
- Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
- Om Shanti Om
- Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge
- Mohabbatein
- Ae Dil Hai Mushkil
Serve festive snacks and make it a relaxed movie night. For remote teams, have a watch party over video conference.
9. Hold a Diwali Storytelling Session
Have team members take turns sharing their most memorable Diwali moments and traditions:
- Childhood memories of fireworks and feasts
- Sentimental Diwali family rituals
- Embarrassing or funny Diwali stories
- Interesting Diwali customs from their communities
- Places they have celebrated unique Diwalis
This highlights the importance of Diwali in our lives and cultures. Record the session to rewatch later.
10. Surprise Employees with Diwali Gifts
Giving and receiving gifts is customary during Diwali. Surprise employees with meaningful presents like:
- Traditional dry fruit boxes
- Silver or gold-foiled chocolate coins
- Diwali-themed home decor pieces
- Diya, candle or lantern sets
- PersonalizedDiwali gift hampers
Gifts add a special touch to the celebrations. Hand them out during the office party for maximum delight.
With a little creativity, you can turn office Diwali celebrations into lasting happy memories. Use these ideas to infuse your workspace with the spirit of community, joy, and light that makes this festival so special. Here’s wishing you and your team a very happy Diwali!
Diwali Decoration Ideas to Brighten Up Your Office
Along with fun celebrations, Diwali is synonymous with vibrant decorations that mirror the festival’s essence of light overcoming darkness. Decorate your office this Diwali with these creative ideas to spruce up the ambiance.
Rangoli Designs
Make stunning rangoli designs at the office entrance using colored sand, grains, flower petals or chalk. Some options are geometric patterns, floral and leaf shapes, Diyas with flames, or Indian motifs like the lotus. You can also have employees pitching in to make giant rangolis.
Marigold Torans
Adorn doorways with torans made of fresh marigold strands and mango or banana leaves. These symbolize an auspicious welcome. For added glitter, intersperse with gold tinsel strands.
Diyas and Candles
Nothing epitomizes Diwali more than diyas. Place them around desks, windowsills, cabinets and reception areas. Use battery-operated flameless candles for safety. You can float miniature diyas in glass bowls too.
Fairy Lights
Drape strings of fairy lights around columns, windows, cabinets, cubicle dividers and walls. Opt for warm white lights to create a festive golden glow. Add sheer curtains with lights for an even dreamier look.
Paper Lanterns
Make or buy colorful paper lanterns in vibrant jewel tones. Hang them from ceilings, tent them over workspaces or decorate walls with them. You can also place lanterns on desks alongside diyas.
Flower or Leaf Garlands
Create decorative garlands using fresh marigolds or fragrant jasmines threaded on strings. For longevity, make them with paper flowers or leaves. Drape around columns, over arches, or above signage.
Kolams or Rangoli Stencils
Use stencils to quickly make intricate kolam designs or geometric rangolis on floors. This lets even less-skilled hands craft pro-level patterns easily. Use colored powder, rice flour or chalk.
Festival Paintings or Hangings
Print or handmake paintings showcasing Diwali imagery like firecrackers, diyas, and lamp shapes. Frame and mount them proudly alongside other decorations. You can also hang embellished fabrics or paper lantern strings as artwork.
Office Desktop Decoration
Encourage employees to decorate their own desks or cubicles. Options include framed Diwali prints, mini diyas, battery-operated fairy lights, flower accents, and rangoli stencils on desktops.
Get creative and infuse your office space with the vibrant, festive spirit of Diwali. These colorful decorations will lift everyone’s mood and make the workplace shine. Have a joyous Light Festival!
Fun Diwali Activities for Employees
Alongside decorations and food, plan some festive activities to get employees engaged during Diwali celebrations:
Diwali Treasure Hunt
Organize a Diwali-themed treasure hunt around the office. Give clues leading to hidden boxes of mithai or other treats. Split people into teams and award prizes.
Diwali Bingo
Create customized Diwali bingo cards for a fun virtual or in-person game. Replace the numbers with words like “Diya”, “Barfi”, “Rangoli” etc., and have employees mark them off.
Diwali Quiz
Test everyone’s Diwali knowledge with a fun quiz. Include questions about traditions, rituals, mythology, foods, popular movies, and more. Offer prizes for top scorers.
Diwali Tambola
Host a Diwali housie or tambola session. Purchase festive theme tambola tickets or make your own with symbols like firecrackers, sweets, lanterns instead of numbers.
Diwali Antakshari
Split into teams for a lively game of Diwali antakshari. Sing songs with words related to the festival like diya, mithai, Lakshmi, etc. Judge teams on creativity and enthusiasm.
Diwali WhatsApp Stickers
Encourage employees to make their own custom WhatsApp stickers for Diwali with online sticker makers. Have everyone share their personalized stickers on office groups.
Musical or Dance Performances
Organize an office talent show for Diwali. Have employees give classical dance, song, or musical performances. Make it a friendly competition and recognize standout acts.
Diwali Photobooth
Set up a Diwali-themed photobooth with fun props like floral garlands, lamps, and ethnic wear. Let employees take memorable festive photos. Share online or make a printed office Diwali photo album.
Get everyone involved in the festivities with these lively activities that celebrate community, humor and spirit – exactly what Diwali is about!
What Diwali Celebrates?
Diwali celebrates the return of Lord Rama and Goddess Sita and brother Lakshman to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile in the forest. It is said that villagers lit earthen lamps to welcome the three of them to Ayodhya.
There are so many creative ideas to celebrate diwali available on the web from DIY to buy in wholesale. There are also so many Diwali items available on the web. With so many options available some are very repetitive and some really confuse us.
So to make your Diwali planning simpler I have tried to make a list of creative ideas for Diwali which will involve you and your family in various activities. Plus most of them can be made way in advance.
Diwali card making with kids
There are so many ways you can involve kids in Diwali planning. Ask your kids to make Diwali cards for relatives like grandparents, brothers, sisters, etc. All you need is paper, colors some art, and crafts things like ribbons, scissors, threads, etc. You can ask them to write beautiful quotes, ensuring that messages are more thoughtful. And, yeah your handmade personalised Diwali card. I found some really cool ideas on the web with card making involving kids. To help you with all the raw material, I found most of the card making materials here.
You will Love this article too: “Diwali House Decoration Ideas”
Glitter Rangoli
Rangoli are really a part of the entire Diwali process and somehow all of us make Rangoli one way or the other. But they are an integral part of the Diwali celebration. In my previous article, I had spoken about various types of Rangoli. But this Glitter Rangoli is a unique Diwali idea if you want to deviate from normal Rangolis. Check out some amazing designs here and if you are looking to buy the material find it here.
Eco-friendly gifts & packaging
Diwali is one of the festivals where we need to be extra careful and try to be as eco-friendly. We will have to measures not to harm nature by using harmful products like fire-crackers, plastic products. We gift our loved ones on Diwali to show that we care about them. There are so many NGOs that promote eco-friendly handmade personalized diwali gifts and handicrafts which are environmentally friendly and made with items that are natural. Please try to avoid plastics as much as possible.
The packaging which we use often colored papers we can replace with eco-friendly packaging options like recycled papers, coir boxes, jute bags, etc.
Let’s pledge to make this Diwali an eco-friendly Diwali without compromising on our traditions.
Buy Eco-Friendly Gifts On Amazon
Re-vamped diyas or old earthen pot
So, we may have some old earthen pots at home. It’s that time of the year when you can re-vamp those old ceramic cups or earthen pots. You can hand paint them or just stick on some mirrors and motifs and make them really aesthetically appealing. And they will be as good as a brand new one. You could also buy some normal earthen diyas and give them your own look and be as artistic as possible and this can be one of those ideas you can handmade Diwali gift to your loved ones.
Bangle Diya holders
So we all have bangles at home bangles diyas are really unique the bangles act as an outer case for diyas all you need are old glass bangles and glues. Stack bangles one over another and just glue them together and see the magic once you light a Diya inside this stack. Check this video out to DIY these creative Diwali light holders. If you want you can buy some of these from here.
Creative ideas to celebrate diwali
READ ALSO- 20 Best Useful Diwali Gifts Items for Family & Friends available on Amazon
Make your own Shubh Laabh and Laxmiji Charan Paduka (or footprint of Goddess Lakshmi)
As part of our traditions along with all the decorations and all we also have usually stick on Shubh Laabh (where Shubh means auspicious and Laabh means profit) on our door frames of the main door and also make Goddess Lakshmi footprint on the floor of the house. You can try making these your own by some simple article and put in your personal touch to them.
BUY Shubh Laabh and Lakshmi Footprints Here
Homemade Paper lampshades
Most of the lampshades we see are made of fabric or in some cases engraved wood but for Diwali you can DIY some paper lamp shades. They are easy to make require very little time and can be made small to big. Involve your family into this if you are planning to make a couple of lampshades. Want to learn how to make it? Just click here
Old CD’s for decoration
There w
as a time when CDs were in but with technology advancing now they have become obsolete. So what should we do with them?
I have seen them being used in some really creative ideas to decor your home, some people had made clocks out of them. Some used mirrors motifs and embellishments to decorate the cd and use it like a showpiece some people made coasters out of them, some made Diya holders. Use your imagination here guys to show the creative ideas to celebrate diwali. I just gave you a couple of creative ideas on how to use them this Diwali. check this video
Dupatta and Old saree decor
I came across this creative idea once visiting a friend she had decorated her house using old dupattas. She used some embellishments and motifs on her dupatta and then used it as a curtain between her sitting room and her dining area. So, a similar thing can be made with sarees and used over the ceiling like a marquee.
BUY fabric Roll online for Diwali home decoration
Throw a Diwali Party
Diwali is the time of the year when every one of us craves to be with loved ones. But sometimes not all of us are not lucky to be at home. So, why not throw a party for friends of yours who couldn’t travel to their home towns. You can find some Diwali theme options like traditional or color-based theme and have a gala time at the party.
If you are bored of doing the same thing in every Diwali, then try these unique ideas for this Diwali, make a glitter rangoli or decorate with dupattas try these or if you have any other ideas share with us as well. Some of them are DIY and some you can buy from different places or online portals.
If you are DIY some articles then do share the pictures with us. And, if we have forgotten to add something then please comment and let us know. Above are my creative ideas to celebrate diwali / creative ideas for diwali 2021 list.
