Celebrating Diwali away from home often means scaling things down: a smaller space, fewer people, and a landlord who would rather not see open flames near the curtains. None of that has to make the evening feel less special. With a little planning, a corner of the living room can feel like the puja room you grew up with.
Choose your space
Pick a clean, flat surface that faces east or north if you can. A low table or a wide shelf works well. Lay a red or yellow cloth over it and, if you have one, place a small chowki or decorative platform in the centre so the idols sit slightly raised.
Your puja checklist
- Lakshmi and Ganesh idols or a framed picture
- A puja thali with kumkum, haldi, rice (akshat) and a small bell
- Diyas with ghee or oil and cotton wicks
- Agarbatti or dhoop, plus a holder
- Fresh flowers or marigold garlands
- Sweets for prasad: ladoos, barfi or kaju katli
- A few coins or a silver coin for Lakshmi
If open flames aren’t allowed, battery tea lights in clay diya holders keep the glow without the worry.
Rangoli that lasts
Powder rangoli is beautiful but fragile on a shared doorstep. A stencil tray makes neat patterns in minutes, and flower-petal rangoli is easy to sweep up the next morning.
Keep it safe
Never leave diyas burning unattended, keep them away from curtains and smoke detectors, and place them on a metal tray. Ventilate the room after the aarti, especially if you use dhoop or camphor.
Everything on the list is in our Puja Essentials aisle, and Munich customers can order on the day.
