Diwali decor: Sustainable, eclectic, local.
Diwali or Deepavali is one of the most popular festivals in India. Celebrated in a variety of ways across the subcontinent, the varying Diwali festivities have two things in common - the use of light and the change of home decor.
Diyas: Of love, art, and light
Bidri
Bidri diyas add more than a touch of elegance to the Diwali decor. Handcrafted by Ravi Kamble, a local artisan from Karnataka, these diyas are inlaid with pure silver motifs. The contrasting black - which is obtained from an alloy of zinc and copper - and silver blend makes these carriers of light the perfect choice for homes that desire a subtle, yet powerful ambience of opulence. The famous soil of Bidar is an indispensable component used in the crafting process.
Terracotta
Terracotta lamps are as historical as it can possibly get. The art of pottery dates back to the Indus civilisation and holds a significant place in Indian art history. Give your diwali celebrations a sustainable, earthy feel with these terracotta lamps, handcrafted by Ram Verma, a local artisan from Harohalli, Karnataka. Ram used to make these using clay from the Harohalli river bed. However, due to industry-caused pollution in the area, he had to get his clay from elsewhere. This was clay he did not know or understand, so many of his pieces would break due to overheating or other reasons. These ones that you receive at home are the beautiful, unique ones that tell a tangible story of resilience.
Sholapith
Sholapith flower streamers are the epitome of graceful modernity, sustainability, and quiet heritage. A prominent and eco-friendly artform from Bengal, Sholapith uses the dried, soft core of the Indian cork plant’s stem and sholapith items are considered to be auspicious, often used during religious ceremonies and the pujo season. When seen from a distance, intricately carved sholapith items look like ivory carvings.
Pumpkin Craft
Pumpkin Craft lamps are another unique way to celebrate Diwali. Carved out of dry pumpkins by rural women, these are completely sustainable and give an all-rustic feel with a hint of glamour.
Leather Puppetry
Leather Puppetry Lampshades are perfect for those who have taken a break from diyas, but still want to add a touch of mythological tradition and light to the celebrations.
Dokra
Make your way to intricately crafted Dokra tea-light holders to complement your diyas. Resplendent with an old-world charm, they are a classic blend of tradition and modern needs.
Wood-Carving
For those who prefer delicate motifs, these hand-carved tea-light holders will add an elegant yet rustic touch to any room. Made of Indian rosewood or sheesham, these blocks were originally used for block-printing.
Showpieces: Crafted to stand out
Dokra: The Centre of Attention
Dokra is an art form that has been around for more than 5000 years and involves the use of clay, wax, non-ferrous metal, charcoal, natural hues, and more. While the process is a quintessential aspect of the artform, the attention to detail is what makes each piece stand out. These divine Dokra figurines of Maa Durga and Goddess Laxmi, handcrafted by local West Bengal artisan Somnath Karmakar, are an apt example of India’s and the artform’s traditional glory. These showpieces are perfect for those who have faith and are not afraid to show it.
Nutangram dolls are a certified UNESCO heritage craft. Handcrafted by Toton Sutradhar, local Nutangram artisan, these owls are made of seasoned wood and are carved with clean lines. One may consider these as a representation of Goddess Lakshmi’s vahana, a symbol of intelligence, or just simple cute, poised owls.
Whether you’re going for an all-bright palette or looking to brighten a muted space, these vibrant Etikoppaka showpieces are a must-have. Handcrafted by local Andhra artisan Srisailapu Chinnayachari, these are sleek etikoppaka dolls made of light wood, with a lacquer finish.
Add character to your Diwali decor with these traditional Kavad story boxes. Each panel captures a chapter, each box a tale. Revisit well-known fables or let children explore them on their own. You may consider complementing the boxes with bright Kavad clocks.
Marble Inlay: A Royal Affair
Handcrafted by local Agra artisan Imran, the motifs on these marble inlay boxes and coasters are inspired by those at the Taj Mahal. Tasteful and ornate, these boxes bring with them grace and a sense of composed royalty.
Bidri showpieces, with their black-and-silver hues, make for a stunning addition to any living space. Made of zinc and copper alloy, and inlaid with silver, they are a decadent confluence of the past and present, the rural and the urban.
Wall decor: Painting a home’s persona
They say the walls have ears, but what they really have is a desire for personality.
Handcrafted by local East Indian artisan, Ananta Sarkar and carved from a single piece of dark wood, these masks up the style quotient while maintaining a powerful, sophisticated presence. The dark wood makes it compatible with minimalistic, quirky, and ornate decor. The light-toned bamboo versions would be suitable for spaces that have a minimalist or ornate setting. The Gambhira wall hanging of Maa Durga may be of particular interest to her devotees.
Colourful Cheriyal plates tell stories of rural India, while masks of gods and goddesses add a playful quirk to tradition, a perfect way to up the happiness quotient in any room.
Sombre tones and intricate details are the primary characteristics of these paintings. Choose from a variety of avatars of Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha, or opt for the more casual Ganjifa playing cards. Whatever you select, be ready to add an old-world charm with these hand-painted wall-pieces, compatible with any style of decor.
Mata-ni-Pachedi and Pen Kalamkari Paintings: An Opulent Narrative
Embrace grandeur with detailed Mata ni Pachedi and Pen Kalamkari paintings. Mata ni Pachedi literally translates to “behind the mother goddess” and both artforms focus on the divine.
Rogan art brings home an exquisite handpainted blend of bright and sombre tones, the subject of the paintings mostly focused on the Tree of Life, from the simplest of expressions to the most complex of designs..
For a more unconventional look, adorn your space with nature-inspired Gond paintings. Handpainted on handmade paper by local artisan Durgesh Maravi, the black outlines give a sense of structure while the colours, bold and subdued, add vibrancy. Additionally, the approach to the subjects of each painting is undeniably creative. All three come together to evoke a sense of eccentricity.
Extra: To give your wall a modern, yet old-world persona, make your way to this earthy, sustainable Madurkathi wall hanging of Maa Durga.
Floor Coverings: Tread in style
Vibrant and bold, these cotton dhurries are primed to make a statement. Handwoven by Cheralu Akunuri, the vivid tones and geometric shapes add a sense of new-age youth, while the meticulous weaving hearkens to days long past.
Simplicity and grace make for a desirable yet rare combination, but these earthy, traditional Madurkathi mats are an incredible blend of the two. The earthy tones make these mats suitable for a casual gathering while the detailed designs ensure that they complement any opulent aesthetic.
Kalamkari Dhurries
Royalty, grace, and legacy. These are the terms one might associate with these detailed, handwoven Kalamkari Dhurries. Each dhurrie or dari is as different as the state it originates in, with the inspiration of the final design being derived from local colours and culture.
Gift your floor and your feet strong bursts of colour. Handwoven with river grass by weavers from Pattamadai, a special-grade town panchayat in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, these mats are a symbol of resilience, positivity, and, of course, the Indian chattai culture.
Whether you decide to furnish your walls, ceiling, floor, or any other corner of the house, rest assured that your handcrafted piece will be one-of-a-kind.
All products included here are handmade or handpainted by local artisans of India. This Diwali, share the light of good fortune with these local artisans, people who have been preserving our heritage with, quite literally, their own hands. If you want to explore the stories, crafts, or products of India’s many artisans, visit www.tvami.com
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