Diwali 2026 Decoration Ideas: Rangoli, Diyas, Torans and Home Decor

Last updated: 3 November 2026

Rangoli designs for Diwali 2026

Rangoli is drawn at the entrance to welcome guests and, by tradition, Lakshmi. It is made with coloured powder, rice flour, flower petals or even coloured rice. Start with a simple pattern and let the lamps do the rest.

• Lotus rangoli: a many-petalled lotus in pink, orange and white is the classic Lakshmi design.
• Flower-petal rangoli: marigold, rose and chrysanthemum petals — easy, scented and safe for children and pets.
• Footprint rangoli: small Lakshmi footprints pointing into the house, drawn in rice flour and kumkum.
• Dot rangoli (kolam style): a grid of dots joined into a geometric pattern.
• Diya border: a ring of diyas around the design, which makes even a simple pattern look festive.
• Floating-flower urli: a wide brass bowl of water with petals and a few tea lights beside the rangoli.

Door decoration: toran, marigold and lights

A toran (door hanging) of mango leaves and marigold marks the entrance of a festive home. Combine it with strands of marigold, a pair of lanterns and string lights. In Nashik, the flower market (Phul Bazaar) near Ganeshwadi is a good place to look for marigolds; go early, because flower prices usually rise around Dhanteras and Lakshmi Puja.

Akash kandil: the Maharashtrian star lantern

The akash kandil is a star-shaped paper or fabric lantern hung outside the home at the start of Diwali. Many families make one with the children; a simple version needs a bamboo or paper frame, coloured tissue and a string light. Hang it at the entrance or balcony and bring it in if it rains. Prefer LED lights inside paper lanterns, which are cooler and safer than flames.

Diyas: how to arrange them

• Place diyas in odd-numbered clusters (3, 5, 7, 11) at the door, the courtyard, the balcony and the staircase.
• Put a diya near the tulsi and one at the main door facing outward.
• Use clay diyas, which are reusable and support local potters; refill the oil instead of discarding them.
• Add tea lights or LED diyas on shelves and near curtains for safety.
• Keep diyas away from curtains, plastic and low-hanging garlands.

Indoor decoration: the puja corner and living room

• Puja corner: a clean chowki, a fresh cloth, flowers and a kalash; keep the thali ready before sunset.
• Living room: a brass urli with floating flowers and tea lights on a side table, cushions in festive colours and a string-light curtain.
• Table: a bowl of faral, a few diyas and a small flower arrangement for guests.
• Candles and lanterns: a pierced-metal lantern casts a warm pattern; keep it on a steady surface.
• Lighting: warm white and amber lights look best; avoid mixing too many colours.

Diwali decoration step by step

1. Clean and declutter the house and the entrance a few days before.
2. Plan the colour theme — for example marigold orange and yellow with pink and gold accents.
3. Buy flowers, diyas and lights early and compare prices; store flowers in a cool place.
4. Hang the toran and light strands at the door and balcony in the morning of the day.
5. Draw the rangoli in the afternoon, so it is dry and ready by 5 PM.
6. Place the diyas around the rangoli, at the door and near the tulsi, and set up the puja corner.
7. Light everything at sunset (5:57 PM in Nashik on 8 November) and check that nothing flammable is close to a flame.

Decoration samagri checklist

• Rangoli colours, rice flour or flower petals, and a stencil or chalk
• Clay diyas, cotton wicks, oil or ghee and tea lights
• Marigold strands, mango leaves and a toran base
• An akash kandil (or the materials to make one)
• String lights (LED), extension cord and a plug cover
• A brass urli, a few flowers and a small lantern
• A small bucket of water and a cloth, for safety

Eco-friendly and budget-friendly decoration

• Choose natural colours and flowers over synthetic powders and plastic.
• Use LED lights, which use little power; switch them off at bedtime.
• Compost the flowers after the festival, and do not throw them into water bodies.
• Buy from local potters and flower sellers where you can.

Diwali decoration safety

• Keep flames away from curtains, garlands and fabric and never leave diyas unattended.
• Do not overload sockets with string lights; check wires for damage.
• Keep a bucket of water or a fire extinguisher near the entrance.
• Keep children and pets away from open flames and crackers.
• Be careful when wearing loose clothing near lamps.

Decorating your home during the Nashik Simhastha Kumbh

Diwali falls in the opening weeks of the Nashik–Trimbakeshwar Simhastha Kumbh Mela, and many households in Panchavati, Nashik Road and Trimbakeshwar welcome relatives and pilgrims. A clean, lit entrance with a rangoli and a toran is a simple way to welcome guests. Plan shopping trips early to avoid the evening traffic around the old city, and see the Nashik Kumbh Guide for the Kumbh calendar.

Related Diwali guides

Read the Lakshmi Puja 2026 guide for the muhurat and puja, the Lakshmi aarti guide and the Diwali 2026 calendar.