Festivals

Table of Content:

Intro:

Diwali, the festival of lights, is knocking on our doors, and we can’t stay calm. It is when homes are lit up with lamps, the air is filled with the aroma of sweets, and families come together to share the joy and happiness of these auspicious days.

Beyond the festivities, Diwali is also a time for renewal—a time to clean, decorate, and prepare our homes for the special Laxmi pooja. People often begin their cleaning weeks in advance, making sure their homes are ready to welcome guests and the blessings of the season.

However, Diwali preparations require time, effort, and careful planning. And it’s easy to get caught up and forget a few things along the way. This is why we’ve got the perfect solution for the planning part—a comprehensive three-week preparation plan to tell you how to get ready for Diwali!

Whether you’re a family with kids, a bachelor, or have elderly loved ones at home, this blog will help you stick to the timeline without forgetting any task. So shall we begin?

3 Weeks Before Diwali: Kicking Off the Preparation with Decluttering

The first step to preparing your home for Diwali begins with decluttering. Now is the perfect time to go through closets, pull out clothes you no longer need and donate them to someone who might. Organising your home at this stage gives you a clear view of what’s to come. If there are old toys lying around or unused items which are taking up space, it’s time to let them go. Not only will you create more room, but your home will begin to feel lighter and ready for festivities.

Once the decluttering is out of the way, shift your focus towards cleaning. We would suggest you start with the toughest task: carpets and rug cleaning. Give them a good steam clean or wash, making sure they’re fresh for the festival days. The same goes for linens, sofa covers, or curtains. You can also wash them and keep them aside for the Diwali day. If you are a bachelor who does not have the time for deep cleaning, consider hiring professional cleaners at this stage to take care of those heavy-duty tasks. It’s a time-saver!

Then, take a moment to tidy up your garden or balcony. Remove any dead plants, sweep away leaves, and start prepping the space for new, seasonal plants that will flourish during the cooler weather.

Lastly, send any Diwali outfits that need alterations or dry cleaning so that they’re ready in time. Also, if you have jewellery pieces you plan to wear, take them out of storage early, inspect the clasps and fastenings, and arrange for any repairs if needed. This ensures everything is in perfect condition for the festivities.

2 Weeks Before Diwali: Festive Essentials and Cleaning

With just two weeks to go, turn your attention to all the festive essentials. Start by checking all your diyas, lights, and lamps. But new diyas, replace any broken bulbs or items that have seen better days and place everything in an accessible spot so you can easily grab them when it’s time to decorate.

For those with elderly members at home, ensure that decorations are easy to handle and not too heavy so they can also participate in decorating the house. Opt for lightweight lamps and avoid sharp-edged items that could pose a risk to kids as well.

Next comes kitchen and bathroom cleaning. Deep clean the kitchen, especially the oven and refrigerator, as these will soon be filled with all kinds of festive treats. Clean the bathrooms, ensuring all toiletries are organised, and personal care items are in place.

Also, this is the moment to organise your pantry and stock up on all the non-perishable ingredients like gram flour, sugar, desi ghee, dry fruits and so on that you’ll need for Diwali cooking.

1 Week Before Diwali: Preparing the Heart of the Home

As the festival approaches, shift your focus to the most-used areas of your home. Start with the bedroom and living spaces. Clean under the beds, dust the nightstands, and wipe down light fixtures. If you’ve already started making Diwali mithai, now is the time to thoroughly clean the stovetop as well.

This week is also about pooja preparations. Clean the altar, the idols, and any pooja accessories. Gather all the items you’ll need for the festival rituals and store them in one place so they’re easy to access. Plus, if you have young kids at home, this is a perfect time to get them involved by assigning small tasks like polishing pooja items.

And, of course, this is when the fun begins – start decorating your home! Hang garlands, drape fairy lights and lamps, and bring a festive glow to your living spaces.

Meal planning is another key aspect of the week before Diwali. If you are planning a get-together, you should create a detailed menu for the days ahead and make a shopping list for any fresh ingredients you’ll need.

5 Days Before Diwali: The Final Countdown Begins

As Diwali draws closer, start making the final preparations. Pick out your Diwali outfits, iron them, and hang them in your wardrobe, ready for the celebration.

For those expecting guests, it’s important to prepare the guest rooms now. Freshen up the bedding with clean linens, ensuring your home is warm and welcoming. Consider adding small touches like scented candles or a tray with water and snacks to make guests feel truly at home.

You can also plan some games or activities to entertain the guests. For instance, you can buy cards or board games like Jenga to fill the air with fun and excitement. You can also find games like dumb charades or Diwali Bingo online.

3 Days Before Diwali: Setting the Festive Scene

With only a few days left, let’s head to the outdoor spaces for cleaning. Clean the entrance or porch area where you’ll be decorating with rangoli or placing diyas. This is also the perfect time to deliver sweets to friends and family, spreading a little joy before the big day.

Lastly, soak your clay diyas in water. Let them absorb water for at least 18-24 hours so they’ll last longer and burn more brightly during the celebrations.

2 Days Before Diwali: The Final Preparations

Food preparation kicks into high gear now. Chop, cut, and grind ingredients for all your meals so that you’re not rushing on the day itself. Organise the mandir for the prayers and decorate it with flowers and diyas. Make sure your kitchen is organised, with everything easy to access as the festival gets closer.

1 Day Before Diwali: The Finishing Touches

The day before Diwali is all about tying up loose ends. Walk through your home, doing a last-minute check to ensure everything is neat and organised. It is also the perfect time to buy or arrange flowers and have them ready. From decorations to rangoli supplies, it’s all about planning the little details to create a joyful and vibrant space. Finally, give the house one last cleaning to ensure it’s spotless before the festivities begin.

Diwali Day: Celebrate and Enjoy!

Finally, it’s the d-day, and you have successfully learned how to get ready for Diwali.

After all the hard work, the cleaning, and the preparations, today is the day to celebrate with your loved ones. Dress in your finest clothes, light up your diyas, create vibrant rangoli, savour delicious food, offer prayers for health and happiness, and embrace the warmth and joy of the festival. You’ve done all the heavy lifting – now it’s time to eat, pray, celebrate, and enjoy the beauty of Diwali!

 

FAQs

What are some easy Diwali recipes for beginners?
You can start with simple sweets like coconut laddoo, halwa, and besan barfi. Or, if you are looking to cook meals, you can prepare dishes like pakodas, kachori, Kheer, etc., that require minimal ingredients and are perfect for beginners looking to add a homemade touch to Diwali celebrations. Nowadays, there are ready-to-eat packets for dal makhani, rasgulla, palak paneer, and so on. You can purchase to save time and attain perfection in taste.

How can I ensure my pets are safe during Diwali celebrations?
You first need to create a comfortable space for them, away from loud sounds, and keep diyas and candles out of their reach. Then, make sure they are indoors during fireworks to avoid stress and noise.

What are some eco-friendly Diwali decoration ideas?
Opt for clay diyas, natural rangoli powders, and organic flowers. Avoid plastic decorations and choose reusable fabric drapes and eco-friendly lights to minimise waste during the festival.

Where can I find eco-friendly Diwali décor near apartments in Whitefield?
There are many local markets and malls near apartments in Whitefield, like the Whitefield Market, which offers eco-friendly options. You can find biodegradable rangoli powders, clay diyas, and reusable lights.

How can I involve kids in Diwali preparations?
Involve kids in activities like making paper lanterns, decorating diyas, and creating rangoli designs. It’s a great way to teach them about the traditions while adding a personal touch to your home décor.

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