Hosting a Diwali party is the ideal excuse to gather your favourite people at one place, indulge in delicious food and dress to the nines. However, throwing a Diwali bash that’s as bright as it is fun takes a bit of planning, and a whole lot of food and drinks. From the decor to dessert — here’s everything you need to know to make your party unforgettable this year...
Bring on the sparkle and colour
A rangoli design by Ranu Art on YouTube YouTube
Diwali isn’t just the Festival of Lights, it’s the festival of extras. You can drape fairy lights over every available surface. Hang lanterns, string up garlands and place diyas everywhere — on floors, windowsills, and tabletops — to make your home glow.
And don’t forget the rangoli! Whether you go for classic patterns or end up with something that could pass as “abstract art,” a rangoli at your doorstep adds instant festivity and charm. Bonus points if it survives more than an hour without someone stepping on it.
Try this rangoli design.
Feast for the eyes and the belly
Start your party by serving bite-sized appetisers, like samosas, pakoras, chaat and laddoos Shutterstock
Diwali is all about food. Good food and plenty of it. So, start with bite-sized appetisers like samosas, pakoras and chaat. Keep it simple so that your guests can still socialise without ending up wasting half their meal.
When it’s time for the mains, go traditional. Think rich paneer butter masala, creamy dal, biryani that deserves its own fan club and a naan basket that could double as a workout. And dessert? Try gulab jamuns, jalebis, laddoos — they’re all waiting to be indulged in. Pro tip: Keep napkins handy.
Try this samosa recipe at home.
Sip ’n’ party hard
Enjoy this Rose Lemonade recipe by Recipe Garage on YouTube Shutterstock
For a vibrant Diwali celebration, you can serve a mix of traditional and fusion drinks. Start with a classic lassi — creamy, sweet and perfect for the season. Add some sparkle with a pomegranate mojito, blending fresh juice, mint and soda for a refreshing twist. A spiced chai martini brings a warm, festive flavour, while a jaljeera mocktail — tangy with tamarind and cumin — provides a non-alcoholic option. Finally, you can serve some rose lemonade to wash down the food. Prepared with rose syrup and sparkling water, it adds a floral touch and perfectly captures the colours and spirit of Diwali.
Try this rose lemonade recipe at home.
Entertainment and competition
Games like diya painting or Heads Up are the perfect blend between fun and chaos Shutterstock
No Diwali party is complete without some games. And what could be more Diwali than trying to make your guests laugh while sparking a bit of friendly competition? For some hands-on fun, set up a station for diya painting, or organise a rangoli contest. No rules, just pure creativity.
If your crowd prefers something a bit more lively, bring out the classic card games — poker, teen patti, or, if you’re really seeking a bit of chaos, try Heads Up. Just make sure the good guessers aren’t all on the same team.
Dress Code: Shimmer and bling
Dazzle bright in ethnic wear Shutterstock
Encourage your guests to go all out. Think saris that shimmer, lehengas with enough bling to make a chandelier jealous, and kurtas that could stop traffic. This isn’t the night to play it safe!
Need a little extra flair? Set up an ‘accessories corner’ with bangles, bindis and scarves for guests to pile on as they like. They’ll love the festive transformation — and your photos will look like a Bollywood red carpet event.
Check out this green tissue silk saree with a floral leaf print and embroidered border for your festive pick.
Think green this Diwali
Ensure a green Diwali with (right) plantable crackers Shutterstock and Beej Patakhas
With all the lights, food and sparkle, it’s easy to forget that we can be kind to the planet, too. Opt for eco-friendly diyas, biodegradable plates and reusable decorations. You don’t have to sacrifice style for sustainability — and trust us, your eco-conscious guests will also appreciate it. Those who enjoy crackers, consider alternatives like lanterns, LED balloons, flower-petal confetti and more. To make things even more interesting, try gifting Plantable Cracker Diwali Hampers, where crackers embedded with seeds can grow into plants.
Buy here
A thoughtful send-off
Make sure your friends recover post-party with this hangover kit Shutterstock
Diwali is all about sharing and caring, so send your guests home with something memorable. Skip the generic party favours and go Diwali-themed — small boxes of sweets, mini candles — or opt for a ‘recovery kit’ complete with antacid and a blessing card for a humorous (and practical) touch. To help beat post-party dehydration, you could also add a PartySmart or a shot of Morning Fresh.
Buy here
