BHUBANESWAR: Diwali, the festival which symbolises victory of good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance, is celebrated amid huge fervour across the country. Communities all over the country decorate their places with shimmering lights and bright colours to manifest the true sense of the festival.
Ahead of the upcoming festivity, Orissa Post interacted with a few interior designers, students, hotel managers, kiosk owners and home makers to delve deeper into their plans for home decor this Diwali.
Interior designer Subha Awasthi said, “One should put his or her heart into decorating their place as Diwali is all about lights. Therefore, one should prioritise diya and candle decoration. This truly mesmerises the onlooker. Currently, the market is overflowing with Chinese lamps and floating candles among others. This would ensure that a place is not only well-lighted, but it also will spread an aura of positivity and spiritualism.”
Anima Maitri, student of a private nursing college, said, “For us, Diwali decorations is a luxury that we can rarely afford. However, we have asked our hostel warden to let us put up a nice toran and Rangoli in front of our hostel this year. We would be connected to this huge festival.”
Surekha Hans, a resident of Forest Park said, “I would decorate my place with a huge collection of fresh flowers. I have ordered Carinations, Tulips, Water Lilies, White Roses, and Yellow Marigold. These flowers would give my place the perfect ambience for this festival. I am a laid back person who does not support the bursting of crackers. Therefore, for me and my family, Diwali is all about delicious food and fragrant flowers.”
Sridhar Babu, a differently abled man working in a pan shop, said, “For me Diweali is all about humanity. I have arranged special chocolates for all my clients. Whoever will visit my Kiosk on the day, I will hand him a small chocolate as a Diwali gift. May God bless all in this wonderful festival.”
A city hotel manager Animendra Bose said, “This year, we have decided to make more Rangolis and bring large flower vessels with floating diyas. We won’t allow bursting of crackers inside the hotel premises. We have pledged to celebrate a smoke free Diwali. Therefore, we are going to treat our guests with fancy cuisines and free Diwali gifts.”
Suman Dhiren, manager of a pet shelter, said, “This year, we have decided to keep our pets safe and far away from the unbearable noise that is generated on that day. This is despite the time limit of bursting crackers being two hours. We have also planned to decorate our pet shelter with green grass and Chinese lamps. We would also use serial lights and LED lamps. True Diwali celebration is all about good behaviour, brotherhood, environmental concern and love for animals.”
