Dussehra Style & Splendor: Adorning Homes and Hearts

Dussehra is a time of immense joy and celebration, reflected in the vibrant decorations that adorn our homes and the beautiful traditional attire we wear. Creating a festive atmosphere is a way of welcoming positivity and celebrating the victory of good. Here are some ideas to fill your Dussehra with light, color, and elegance.

Vibrant Home Décor

Transform your home into a festive haven with these traditional touches:

• Torans & Garlands: Adorn your doorways with vibrant 'torans' made of marigold flowers and mango leaves. Fresh flower garlands can be hung around the house to add color and fragrance.
• Urlis: Place decorative brass or clay bowls ('urlis') filled with water at the entrance, and float flowers and diyas in them for a serene and welcoming look.
• Apta Leaves: As exchanging Apta or 'Shami' leaves is considered auspicious (symbolizing gold), you can use them in your puja room or as part of your decor.
• Fabric Decor: Use colorful ethnic fabrics like Bandhani or silk dupattas as table runners, wall hangings, or drapes to add a touch of royalty.

Dazzling Dussehra Attire

Dress in your festive best with traditional outfits that reflect the spirit of Dussehra.

• For Women: Opt for bright, auspicious colors like red, orange, yellow, and royal blue. Traditional choices include silk sarees, Bandhani or Leheriya sarees, elegant Anarkali suits, or vibrant lehenga cholis.
• For Men: A classic Kurta-pajama in silk or cotton is a perfect choice. This can be layered with a contrasting Nehru jacket for a more formal and sophisticated look.
• Accessorize: Complete your look with traditional jewelry. Jhumkas, bangles, and statement necklaces for women, and a classic brooch or pocket square for men, add the perfect finishing touch.

Artistic Rangoli Designs

Create intricate Rangoli patterns at your entrance to welcome guests and positive energy.

• Design Motifs: Popular Dussehra rangoli designs include lotuses, peacocks, diyas, swastikas, or even depictions of Lord Rama with his bow and arrow.
• Colorful Materials: Use a combination of colored powders, rice flour, and flower petals to create a multi-textured and vibrant design.
• Eco-Friendly Tip: Use natural colors like turmeric (yellow), kumkum (red), and rice flour (white). You can also use spices and flower petals for a completely biodegradable rangoli.

Enchanting Festival Lights

Illuminate your home to celebrate the victory of light over darkness.

• Clay Diyas: The quintessential festive light. Place rows of oil-filled clay diyas on windowsills, balconies, and at the entrance of your home.
• Fairy Lights: String lights or fairy lights can be wrapped around pillars, draped over windows, or hung in the puja room for a magical glow.
• Akhand Jyoti: For the puja room, an 'Akhand Jyoti' (an eternal flame) in a brass lamp is a beautiful and sacred addition.
• Paper Lanterns: Colorful paper lanterns or 'kandils' can be hung in covered outdoor areas like balconies or verandas to add a charming and festive touch.