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<p>If you’ve grown up in an Indian household, chances of you having escaped the inevitable annual Diwali cleaning are slim. For most Indian households, this is the time to deep dive into those forgotten lofts and recesses of the home. But what exactly is the preoccupation with cleaning during this time? What’s the spiritual significance around it? And lastly, what’s the best strategy to go about Diwali deep cleaning? We try to find answers.</p><h2>Diwali cleaning rituals and routines</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Diwali-deep-cleaning-Banner_1635504458170.jpg"></figure><p>Diwali marks the start of the new year in the Hindu calendar. A new year is all about new beginnings and so traditionally, it has always been the season to declutter homes. Diwali is also the festival to welcome Goddess Lakshmi, the harbinger of wealth and prosperity. It’s believed that the Goddess only dwells where there’s purity and cleanliness—whether it’s your mind or your home. <br>Often, our traditional rituals are rooted in science. In India, Diwali follows the monsoon months, which is associated with dampness—the bane for every Indian mother. This is the time for unsightly mould, infections and the like. It’s for this very reason, that items are sunned and homes, deep cleaned.</p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>To deep clean or not to clean?</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Diwali-deep-cleaning-inside-image-1_1635497980861.jpg"></figure><p>However, things seem to be changing with Gen Z. Not everyone has the bandwidth or inclination to undertake the overwhelming task of Diwali deep cleaning. So what’s a good strategy to adopt? Well, the Konmari method—the system devised by tidying consultant Marie Kondo—is a good starting point. We spoke to two certified Konmari consultants—Gayatri Gandhi of Joy Factory and Priyanka Joseph of Mindful Spaces who share their thoughts. Both are of the opinion that cleaning is different from decluttering. “Decluttering and cleaning are often used synonymously, but they're not. Decluttering should ideally precede the cleaning process to brighten our spaces in the fullest sense. Once decluttering becomes a habit, the annual deep cleaning process around Diwali becomes less overwhelming and time-consuming,” explains Joseph. Gandhi too has a similar perspective: “Traditionally, Diwali cleaning means to take out everything that we own, clean, and put back everything! In the process, no decluttering takes place. Hence, it’s important to know the difference between the two."</p><p>To cut a long story short, Diwali cleaning needn’t be such a Herculean task. Once decluttering is a part of your lifestyle, you may actually enjoy the process of sprucing up your home for the festivities. On a regular basis, do away with items that you don’t need. In this way, not only are you ‘sparking joy’ in your life, but also in that of others by sharing or donating items that you don’t need. </p><p>AlsoRead1</p><h2>The deep clean game plan </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Diwali-deep-cleaning-inside-image-3_1635498004374.jpg"></figure><p>Whether you’re in the habit of cleaning on a regular basis or prefer doing it all prior to the festive season, getting organised will help you streamline affairs. Gandhi has a rather spiritual perspective on matters before you get started. She believes you should begin by imagining your ideal lifestyle—the kind of food you want to eat, the home you aspire to have, the evening you plan to spend after work or the books you want to start reading. “Imagine it all, because it helps you establish a clear vision of why you want to tidy in the first place. And once you have done so, being committed to decluttering won’t be a burden and instead will be something that you will look forward to accomplishing.”</p><p>Once you get down to business, Joseph suggests decluttering by category rather than location. “It is our natural tendency to declutter and organise room by room. This requires us to deal with the same category of items (such as books, papers, clothes) scattered across different rooms again and again,” she explains. So, it would make sense to get together all items under one category and then try sorting them out. </p><p>AlsoRead2</p><p>So, as you embrace decluttering as a lifestyle, Gandhi shares a game plan—<strong>5 spaces in your home that can be tackled easily</strong>. Happy tidying!</p><h3>1. Closet</h3><p>Decluttering your closet can be therapeutic. The process of going through clothes, shoes and accessories not only declutters your house but also your mind of any emotional baggage that may be connected to the items.</p><h3>2. Bathroom cabinets</h3><p>This area is the easiest to tackle. Remove empty bottles that are lying on the shelves long after they are used. Then, classify items of the same type and lastly, organise them in baskets or trays for easy access. This should not take more than a couple of hours to complete.</p><h3>3. Kitchen</h3><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Diwali-deep-cleaning-inside-image-2_1635497990806.jpg"></figure><p>For decluttering your kitchen, you need to take into consideration two factors--utility and space. Then, move to categorising items—broadly speaking, these could be cooking tools, crockery and cutlery, and food items (perishables and non-perishables). Make use of vertical storage solutions allowing you to take full advantage of the height of your storage space and be able to see things at a glance. Decorate your kitchen, too to make cooking fun!</p><h3>4. Medicines drawers</h3><p>This space can be overwhelming. To tackle this, empty it all out, check for expired medicines and discard them. The remaining ones can be categorised in separate envelopes (ailment wise or name wise) and labelled. Lastly, line them up vertically in a box for easy access.</p><h3>5. Junk drawers</h3><p>This is the place where you store all those little items that don't quite fit anywhere else or that you rarely use but don't know where else to store. As the name suggests, it IS a junk drawer so best to empty out all contents and check each one of them. Wipe clean the drawer and store back ONLY what you will use.</p>

Whether you’re a compulsive cleaner or a purge-once-a-year kind of person, we take a look at the significance and strategies of seasonal cleaning. 

Home organization experts share their strategy to take on Diwali cleaning for a prosperous and Happy Diwali. Read more on ZeeZest.com

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Diwali

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From colours to patterns, textures to material, and new trends, here’s a guide to making your space come alive with them. 

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<p>The festive season is upon us and as we get ready to dress our families and ourselves in the best of the season, it is important to ensure that our personal space is not left behind. While it is easy to pick expensive, branded products to re-decorate our homes, it is neither pocket friendly, nor good for the environment to do so. A home reflects your personality in the most basic, aesthetic, even quirky way, and re-doing it does not need to burn a hole in your pocket. </p><p>This festive season we bring you five ways to make your home a little more you — in its own classy, kitschy, quaint, or quirky way. And no, it doesn’t have to be restricted to traditional Indian decor.  </p><h2>1. Decide what you want </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Quirky-Sofa-set-up-Freedom-Tree_1635482340068.jpg"><figcaption>© Freedom Tree</figcaption></figure><p>Maximal or minimal, classic or quirky, bohemian or quaint — a home should be a reflection of its inhabitants. It should also grow and evolve like those who live inside it. And so, before you set out to redo your home this festive season, it is important to take some time to understand how you would like your space to be and what do you want your home to reflect. </p><p>Before you get to the drawing board, it is also crucial to consider if your design sensibilities have changed in the past few years. Do you want an overhaul, or do you want just topical changes in your home? Are you looking for a cosier home or do you want to open up the space? Taking your changing needs into account is important too. Would you like to carve out space for a home office or create an entertainment niche; would you redo the kids’ room or make a nursery for the baby could be just a few of many points to consider. Remember: a little foresight can go a long way and ensure the longevity of your plan.  </p><h2>2. Make a statement </h2><p>A house becomes home only when it reflects your personal ethos. Think of that map that you picked up on a trip to Europe, pull out the postcards your friends have sent you over the years, bring out your favourite China you have collected, and retrieve all heirloom pieces that you have inherited. All of these have the potential to be used in and as decor pieces that not only add character to your space but also add a personal touch.  </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_IMG_5311-Ptal_1635483465933.jpg"><figcaption>© Ptal</figcaption></figure><p>String together your travel pictures with fairy lights, frame postcards, menus, or even artsy paper bags to create quirky individualistic artwork and create a gallery wall with all these. Different porcelain pieces can be bunched together with some dried flowers or fresh foliage on a console to create a quaint corner. Heirloom pieces like brass urlis, copper pots, Kansa plates can turn into statement objects in the living area, kitchen, or entryway. Add a hardy plant by the window or use empty alcohol bottles to grow money plants — as long as what you do reflects you and your design aesthetic everything you possess can be turned into decor item.  </p><p>If you need ideas, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ptal.in">Ptal</a>, a homegrown brand that works with local artisans in three states offers statement pieces that are both utilitarian and decorative and can be used in various ways. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.studiocoppre.com">Coppre</a> is another homegrown brand that supports local artisans across states and makes high-quality copper, brass, and Kansa products that are contemporary, modern, and blend beautifully in all kinds of spaces. </p><p>AlsoRead0</p><h2>3. Small changes can make a huge difference</h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_Amsu-inside-image-1_1635244784099.jpg"><figcaption>© Purple Pirate Co</figcaption></figure><p>Redo one wall of your bedroom in a statement colour or put up new wallpaper in your living area; move around some furniture, bring in some plants, and you will have a totally new space. </p><p>If you want to move from bold to subtle, go the other way — remove heavy prints, dark colours, and frames off the walls and add neutrals. Repaint and repolish old furniture in shades of cream, powder blue, or dusty pink, replace the heavy drapes and curtains to sheer fabrics, and re-do the sofa and chairs in shades of grey or taupe. This will instantly make your home look more airy, open, spacious, and bright. </p><p>Check out <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://freedomtree.in/">Freedom Tree Home</a> for your upholstery needs; it also offers decor and furniture options. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.instagram.com/houseofamsu/">Amsu</a>, a homegrown home linen brand offers good quality table and bed linen that can easily integrate with any kind of decor. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.purplepirateco.com">Purplepirateco</a> is a homerun brand by watercolour artist Deepti Ahluwalia Sinha with a focus on Original watercolour art and affordable art prints with options to go both quirky and classic.</p><h2>4. Let there be light </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_IMG_2195_1635483057771.jpg"><figcaption>© Anubhuti Krishna</figcaption></figure><p>Lighting plays a vital role in setting the tone of a space. A room filled with natural light is inviting and exudes positivity, while diffused lights at night bring in warmth and character. Opening up the windows and draping them in sheer curtains help utilise daylight and make your rooms look larger. </p><p>Layered lighting with diffused overall light and lamps, chandeliers, or pendants, used as focal points is easy to execute. It is also a great option for rental homes where making civil changes may not be possible. Invest in good-quality lamps and place them in spaces that you want to highlight — a corner in the guest room, a console in the entryway, a study table in the bedroom. </p><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_IMG_3261_1635483999166.jpg"><figcaption>© Jaipur Rugs</figcaption></figure><p>A low pendant above the dining table, wall lights above the bed, and tall floor lamps in the living area are great ways to add warmth and character. Keeping the lamp bases neutral and changing lampshades with the mood and season lets you use lamps as decor pieces too. </p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.fabindia.com">Fabindia</a> home offers good quality lighting options that can blend easily with all kinds of decor. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://www.sugandheecandles.com">Sugandhee</a> candles is a home run brand that offers exceptional fragrances and products at affordable prices and can add both warmth and comfort with their mellow floral fragrance. </p><p>AlsoRead1 </p><h2>5.   Invest in timeless high-quality products </h2><figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.zeezest.com/images/PROD_buy-face-to-face-bar-cabinet-gold-black-online-freedomtree-in-10000011503-22860386238638_1800x1800-Freedom-Tree_1635483290437.jpg"><figcaption>© Freedom Tree</figcaption></figure><p>Having one high-quality accent or furniture piece can create a statement look. If you are setting up a new space and want to invest in furniture, decor, lighting, tapestry, and linen, make sure to choose a good quality product. The market today has enough and more homegrown brands that offer excellent products at affordable prices. </p><p>When choosing to buy a new product also look at its versatility. A console can also work as a TV unit, a book rack can become a statement piece; a ceramic platter can be used as serve-ware but can also be the caddy for your candles and small plants. A set of handcrafted cups can also hold candles while a brass water jug can also act as a vase for fresh flowers. Playing with shapes, textures, materials of good quality linen can bring in interest. So, spend some time and thought in buying things that will last longer and can be conversation starters — for what is a home if it does not exude warmth, style, and passion. </p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://whitehillstudio.com">White Hill Studio</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://aclaystory.com">A Clay Story</a> offer great quality, limited edition ceramics that are modern and contemporary. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.jaipurrugs.com/in/">Jaipur Rugs </a>works with marginalised women in Rajasthan and offers a wide variety of floor coverings in varying styles and budgets. </p>

Don’t buy the whole store, all you need is some heirloom pieces, a new lampshade, and some festive accents. 

If you are already planning for the festive month, here are some easy and budget-friendly solutions to accentuate and renovate your home. Invest in good quality linens, statement-making pieces and layered lighting. 