Celebrate Onam 2023: Traditional Home Decoration Ideas

What better reason than a festival to revamp your already beautiful home? With Onam around the corner, you may be wondering how to celebrate Onam at home. The answer is simple: good Sadya food and thoughtful Onam decoration. Read on to turn your home Onam-ready in a blink!

Here are the top 5 home decoration ideas to celebrate the festive spirit

1. Light up!

Kerala-themed decoration ideas for Onam are easier than they sound. Diyas and flower-filled urlis can form a beautiful festive display. Place them on stable, suitable surfaces such as tables, TV units and corner tables. You can fill an urli with flowers and place a diya alongside it, or use an arrangement intended for a diya. Keep flames clear of other decorations, never leave them unattended and retain enough general lighting for people to move safely.

When choosing an urli or diya arrangement, check the product page for dimensions, intended use and care guidance.

2. The flower power

Onam decoration is incomplete without flower art. Use petals of colourful flowers such as marigolds to create Kerala’s traditional flower rangoli, called Pookalam. If creativity is not your best trait, sew flowers together to make a DIY Onam flower decoration and hang it at the entrance. Even though ready-made flower garlands are available in the market, there is something special about handcrafted ones, isn’t there?

3. Bring a little culture onto your walls

Want home décor items that look great on Onam but remain meaningful after the festival? Consider thematic wall art, soft furnishings, cushion covers and table accents. Cultural art pieces can lend a traditional touch to your home during the celebrations and beyond.

4. Set up for Sadya

The best part about life is food! If you agree too, why exclude the iconic Sadya from your Onam decoration ideas? Plan the Sadya menu around your household and the time available. Use purpose-made oven gloves or pot holders according to their heat-use guidance when handling hot cookware.

When the meal is ready, place hot utensils on a suitable trivet or heat mat and enjoy the Sadya as it is traditionally served: on a big, fresh banana leaf.

5. Go brassy

Don’t want to splurge a bomb on Onam decoration items? Or want something that you can reuse later? Brass pieces can bring a traditional note to festive décor and can be used in many ways after Onam too.

Place a statement brass diya on the dining table or hang one on the wall. You could also install a brass wall clock and encircle it with flowers—indeed, a unique wall Onam decoration idea, no? If you are choosing a diya, look for a style that suits your space and check the product page for material, placement and care details. Keep any flame clear of fabrics and never leave it unattended.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key elements of traditional Onam home decorations?

Key elements of traditional Onam home decorations include:

• Wall plates and other wall art, such as thematic paintings
• Flower decorations
• Decorated urlis
• Hanging diyas
• Pookalam

2. How can I create a vibrant and colourful Pookalam for Onam?

Here are a few tips for creating a vibrant and colourful Pookalam for Onam:

• Get creative or take Onam flower decoration inspiration from the internet.
• Mix flowers of different sizes and colours.
• Pick a design that suits the space. For an entryway or the centre of the living room, a statement circular design can work well.

3. What lighting arrangements can enhance traditional Onam décor?

Diyas can give an Onam display a traditional focus. Choose suitable holders and placement, and retain enough general light for safe movement. Do not assume that a decorative urli is suitable for a real flame.

4. Are there specific colour schemes associated with Onam decorations?

Yes. White and gold, yellow and green, with a touch of purple or red, are popular colour schemes associated with Onam decorations.

5. How can I create a traditional ambience for Onam celebrations indoors?

Here is how you can create a traditional ambience for Onam celebrations indoors:

• Decorate your wall or floor with flower arrangements.
• Even if you cannot prepare the entire Sadya menu, make a traditional dish such as Semiya Payasam.
• Use diya light for a warm festive mood, and add flower-filled urlis as a separate decorative detail.

6. What are some eco-friendly Onam decoration ideas?

Some eco-friendly Onam decoration ideas are:

• Compost flower decorations where possible, or opt for reusable garlands.
• Choose earthen or brass diyas instead of plastic tea lights.
• Create rangoli with natural colours or flowers, then compost the flowers where appropriate.

7. What are some simple and budget-friendly Onam decoration ideas?

Who said the coolest Onam celebration ideas demand a big budget? All you need is a little creativity and a whole lot of festive spirit. Here are some simple and budget-friendly Onam decoration ideas:

• Make rangolis with wet rice flour.
• DIY cotton wicks for a clay diya.
• Make a hearty traditional meal and serve it on a banana leaf.

Browse related designs

Explore décor, dining and diya categories to find pieces that suit your space and festive plans. Check product pages for dimensions, materials, intended use and care details.