festival time – That Madras Mom

Diwali, the festival of lights, is more than just sparkle and sweets—it’s a celebration of renewal, warmth, and togetherness. But what if this year, your home radiates not just beauty but also conscious choices? Let’s explore how to deck up your space sustainably, repurposing Navratri décor and using items that are reusable, biodegradable, or already in your home.

🌼 1. Repurpose Navratri Decor: Give It a Diwali Twist

Navratri brings with it a riot of colors, fabrics, and florals. Instead of packing it all away, here’s how to give it a second life:
Garlands & Torans: Reuse marigold or mango leaf garlands as door hangings. Add fairy lights or bells for a Diwali upgrade.
Fabric Backdrops: Those vibrant dupattas or sarees used during Navratri can become table runners, curtain accents, or wall drapes.
Decorative Pots & Kalash: Paint them with natural colors or wrap them in jute for a rustic Diwali vibe.
🪔 2. DIY Decor from Everyday Items
You don’t need to buy new to make your home glow. Look around—your Diwali magic is already there.
Glass Jar Lanterns: Upcycle old jam jars with lace, jute, or colored paper. Drop in a tealight and voilà!
Thali Centerpieces: Use steel or brass thalis layered with diyas, flowers, and grains like rice or pulses for a traditional yet eco-friendly centerpiece.
Paper Rangoli: Cut colored paper scraps into rangoli patterns. Bonus: they’re reusable and kid-friendly!
🌸 3. Natural & Biodegradable Touches
Let nature be your decorator this Diwali.
Floral Rangoli: Use petals from roses, marigolds, chrysanthemums, or even leaves. Add turmeric and rice flour for color and texture.
Clay Diyas: Skip plastic lights and go for earthen diyas. Paint them with natural pigments or leave them raw for an earthy charm.
Banana Leaf Placemats: Hosting a festive meal? Use banana leaves as placemats—they’re biodegradable and beautiful.
♻️ 4. Reusable Decor Staples
Invest once, reuse forever.
Fabric Lanterns & Buntings: Stitch or buy cloth lanterns and buntings that can be folded and stored for years.
Jute & Cane Decor: Think tealight holders, baskets, and trays made from jute, cane, or bamboo. They add texture and are planet-friendly.
Terracotta Figurines: Use them as puja decor or table accents. They’re timeless and sustainable.
🌿 5. Conscious Lighting Choices
Let your lights shine responsibly.
Solar String Lights: Perfect for balconies and gardens. They charge during the day and glow all night.
Beeswax Candles: A cleaner alternative to paraffin candles, with a subtle honey scent.
LEDs Over Incandescents: If you must go electric, choose LEDs—they consume less power and last longer.
🎇 Final Touch: A Mindful Glow
This Diwali, let your home reflect not just tradition but transformation. By repurposing Navratri decor, choosing natural materials, and embracing reusable pieces, you’re not just decorating—you’re storytelling. A story of culture, care, and conscious celebration.

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla
in collaboration with Ratna Prabha.

Holi, the festival of colors, is an exciting celebration that leaves us drenched in vibrant hues and joyous memories. Once the last gulal has settled, the fun doesn’t have to end.

Here are ten things to do after playing Holi to keep the festive spirit alive:

1. Clean Up and Refresh: The first step after Holi is a thorough cleanup. Use lukewarm water and mild soap to wash off the colors. Apply moisturizer to prevent dryness caused by the colors. Refresh yourself with a cool shower to feel rejuvenated. Wash off the colours from your hair and indulge in a nourishing hair mask to keep your mane happy.

2. Hydrate: After all the fun and frolic, it’s essential to rehydrate. Drink plenty of water, coconut water, or fresh fruit juices to replenish fluids and flush out any toxins. It’s the beginning of summer and you don’t want to end up getting dehydrated, so keep your hydration levels in check.

3. Indulge in a Feast: Holi is synonymous with delicious treats. Relish traditional Holi dishes like gujiya, thandai, puran poli, and dahi bhalla. These delicacies will make your taste buds dance with joy. Indulge in the delicacies, but also be mindful of what you consume.

4. Rest and Recharge: Playing Holi can be exhausting. Take some time to relax and unwind. A short nap or some quiet time will help you recharge and recover from the festivities. Don’t underestimate the power of a power nap which can help you rejuvenate.

5. Pamper Your Skin: Post-Holi skincare is crucial. Apply soothing aloe vera gel or rose water to calm any irritation. A homemade face pack with yogurt, honey, and turmeric can work wonders. Colors can sometimes be harmful, so be patient in giving your skin the time it needs to heal. Off-makeup for one or two days will also be the right way to let your skin breathe. But don’t forget sunscreen when you step out.

6. Reflect and Share: Take a moment to reflect on the memories made during Holi. Share photos and stories on social media or with friends and family to keep the celebration alive. It’s such a fun time to be with people. Share the love, fun times and happy moments with each other.

7. Enjoy a Movie Marathon: Gather your friends or family and watch some classic Holi-themed movies. From “Sholay” to “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani,” these films will keep the festive vibe going.

8. Connect with Nature: Step outside and enjoy the beauty of nature. A leisurely walk in the park or a visit to a nearby garden can be refreshing and serene. Nothing rejuvenates faster than nature’s touch.

9. Plan a Meet-Up: Organize a post-Holi get-together with friends or family. Share laughs, stories, and leftover treats. It’s a great way to extend the celebration.

10. Set New Goals: Holi signifies new beginnings. Use this time to set new goals and intentions. Whether it’s a personal project or a professional aspiration, let the spirit of Holi inspire you to start anew.

Holi is not just a day; it’s a feeling that lingers. These post-Holi activities will help you savour the festive spirit and create lasting memories. Enjoy every moment and keep the colors of joy alive!

This blog post is part of ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’
hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla.