The countdown to Diwali has begun, and with just two days to go, Mumbai is steadily slipping into its festive best. Markets across the city are witnessing a rush of shoppers looking to give their homes a festive makeover. From traditional earthen diyas, decorative kandeels, and rangoli colours to quirky lighting options, decorative torans and Instagram-inspired door hangings, the choices this year are as varied as the city itself.




Whether one is looking for a traditional festive touch or a contemporary aesthetic, there is something for every taste and budget. The mood at neighbourhood markets and pop-up stalls is unmistakably festive, with shoppers browsing through colourful displays, comparing prices and picking up those last-minute additions to their Diwali shopping lists.




DIYAS GET A CONTEMPORARY MAKEOVER




The humble clay diya continues to be a Diwali essential, but the variety available this year goes well beyond the conventional round earthen lamp. From tiny half-inch-diameter diyas to larger ones measuring up to 12 inches, the options come in different shapes, sizes and designs. Star-shaped, oval and pointed diyas are among the interesting variations, while painted, embellished and intricately decorated versions add a decorative touch to traditional lighting.




According to market reports, a set of 20-25 simple, approximately 1.5-inch clay diyas is available for around Rs 150-300. Fancy and embellished varieties are priced between Rs 100 and Rs 500, depending on their size and design. Special designs such as Lakshmi-footprint diyas, conch-shaped lamps and umbrella-shaped pairs are also available. At retail markets, shoppers can find smaller packs too, with four or six decorative diyas selling for around Rs 80 to 200.




WATER DIYAS ARE A HIT!




But traditional oil and ghee lamps are not the only options catching shoppers' attention. One of the interesting additions this Diwali is the water diya. These battery-operated lamps light up when a little water is poured into them, offering the visual appeal of a lit diya without the need for an oil wick or flame. They are an interesting alternative for those looking for fuss-free decorative lighting.




RANGOLIS: FROM TRADITIONAL COLOURS TO INSTANT DESIGNS




Rangoli, an integral part of Diwali decoration, is also seeing a mix of traditional and contemporary options. While the familiar practice of creating intricate designs using coloured rangoli powder continues, shoppers can choose from plastic decorative rangolis in different shapes and sizes. These can be mixed and matched to create larger, customised patterns without having to draw the entire design from scratch.




For those who prefer convenience, instant rangoli sieves and stencils make creating symmetrical patterns easier. Floor-sticker rangolis are another option, particularly for people who want a neat decorative finish without the effort of making one from scratch.




Prices remain accessible across several categories.




TORANS AND LATKANS MAKE A STYLE STATEMENT




Another noticeable trend this year is the growing interest in decorative torans and door hangings. While traditional mango-leaf-inspired and floral torans continue to find buyers, there is a growing appetite for more stylish, contemporary designs.




Instagram-inspired boho pastel torans, fabric embellishments and pretty door and wall-hanging latkans are making their way into festive home décor. Local pop-up stalls across the city have also stocked an assortment of these accessories, giving shoppers plenty of choices beyond conventional festive decorations.




Stylish torans at street stalls are priced between Rs 400 and Rs 1,800, while simpler versions are available for Rs 200 to Rs 500. Decorative wall and door-hanging latkans cost approximately Rs 250 to Rs 1,500, depending on their detailing, material and size. At wholesale markets fabric and velvet torans can also be found at lower price points, starting at around Rs 120.




LANTERNS, KANDEELS AND LIGHTS COMPLETE THE FESTIVE LOOK




No Diwali shopping trip is complete without a kandeel. This year, the options range from traditional paper lanterns to jute and Paithani-inspired designs. Prices start at around Rs 250 for basic designs and go up to Rs 1,500 for more elaborate versions. LED decorative light strings are another popular purchase, with a 100-bulb string available at prices ranging from approximately Rs 300 to Rs 1,100, depending on the type and finish.