Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a significant Hindu festival celebrated worldwide. This festival typically lasts for five days and signifies the victory of good over evil, light over darkness, and knowledge over ignorance.
In this guide, we will provide you with all the essential information about Diwali 2023 and how to celebrate it with eco-friendly decor options such as Paper Starlights.
History of Diwali
The origins of Diwali can be traced back to ancient India, where it was celebrated to commemorate Lord Rama's return after a 14-year exile. The festival is also associated with the goddess Lakshmi, who symbolises wealth and prosperity.
The main night of Diwali coincides with the darkest, new moon night of the Hindu Lunisolar month Kartika. In the Gregorian calendar, Diwali falls between mid-October and mid-November - a time in Northern Europe which seasonally means longer nights, and is also coincidentally associated with lantern parades, firework displays, celebrations of light and other ways of dispelling the darkness.
Diwali is a time of joyful festivity - when friends and family get together to eat and celebrate beneath the colourful glow of a traditional display of lanterns. Paper Starlights are inspired by these traditional Diwali lanterns. Whilst ‘Kandeels’ are often made from thinner paper and designed for short term use, ours are made from good quality heavier weight paper and with careful handling should last for many years.
When is Diwali 2023?
Diwali 2023 will be celebrated on 12th November, which falls on a Sunday. The celebration, however, begins five days earlier with Dhanteras and concludes with Bhai Dooj.
Planning for Diwali 2023
Photo by kabita Darlami on Unsplash
To ensure you have everything you require, you should plan for Diwali 2023 well in advance. Here are some essential aspects to keep in mind:
- Make a guest list and plan for any travel arrangements if necessary.
- Choose decorations that will create a festive atmosphere in your home. Paper Starlights offers a range of lanterns and lamps that are perfect for Diwali.
- Plan the menu for the festival, including traditional sweets and snacks.
How to Decorate for Diwali with Paper Starlights
The Paper Starlights journey began at a festival in India in 1995, where we first fell in love with paper star lanterns – with their form, shape, and meaning. The stars were shining out from every doorway and seemed to encapsulate the joy, hospitality and celebration which surrounded us. Several weeks later we were being introduced to the people behind the stars – a small family business who would become our production partners and friends.
Paper Starlights offers an array of beautiful paper lamps and lanterns that can illuminate your home during Diwali. These lamps and lanterns are made from responsibly sourced paper and come in various colours and designs.
To shop the Diwali look, think bright oranges, red and yellows. Colours which will shine a light in the darkness and keep the celebrations going well into the night. Why not take a look at our Diwali Collection!
Here are some steps to follow when using Paper Starlights to decorate your home for Diwali:
-
Choose a suitable location: Find a suitable location where you want to hang the star lanterns. It could be in your living room, balcony, or any other place you like.
-
Choose the right size: Make sure you choose the right size of the paper star lanterns depending on the location and space available. You don't want the lanterns to be too big or too small for the space. Our Diwali stars are available in sizes: 60cm and 87cm.
-
Hang the lanterns: Once you have chosen the right size, you can start hanging the lanterns. Use a string or a thin wire to hang the lanterns from the ceiling. You can also use adhesive hooks to hang them from the walls.
-
Add lighting: If you want to add some lighting to your paper star lanterns, you can use fairy lights or LED lights. You can wrap the lights around the star lanterns or place them inside the lanterns.
-
Enjoy: Once you have hung the paper star lanterns and added lighting, you can sit back and enjoy the beautiful and festive atmosphere they create.
How to celebrate Diwali in a sustainable way?
While Diwali is a time of joy and celebration, it is also a time when a lot of waste is generated. Here are some ways to celebrate Diwali sustainably:
Use eco-friendly decor
Instead of using plastic or non-biodegradable decor items, opt for eco-friendly and sustainable decor options like Paper Starlights.
Avoid single-use plastics
During Diwali, a lot of single-use plastics like disposable plates and cutlery are used. Instead, opt for reusable plates and cutlery.
Give eco-friendly Diwali gifts
If you are looking for eco-friendly and sustainable Diwali gift options, then Paper Starlights has got you covered.
Diwali Decorative Services
We also offer design and decorative services for a bespoke touch to your Diwali celebrations. With their mesmerising visual display, our star lanterns create a stunning backdrop for party shots, and add a touch of magic to any celebration. They serve as unforgettable statement pieces, and we create spectacular displays that will provide a warm welcome for your guests, keeping the celebrations sparkling long after everyone has arrived.
In 2018 Paper Starlights created a beautiful Diwali installation for Dishoom and Dinerama. Take a look at the installation in all its glory in this video by Street Feast
Dishoom & Dinerama - Diwali 2018 from Street Feast on Vimeo.Style your Diwali with Paper Starlights
By using eco-friendly and sustainable decor options like Paper Starlights, we can celebrate Diwali joyfully and in an environmentally conscious manner. With the right location, style, lighting and personalisation, paper star lanterns can be a stunning addition to your Diwali celebrations. .
So, go ahead and add some love and light to your Diwali 2023 with paper star lanterns! Browse our Diwali Collection now.
Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch at hello@paperstarlights.com
Leave a comment