Sacred Places: Creating a Personal Diwali Puja Corner that Radiates Peace

Latest update:Oct 28, 2024 02:16 PM IST

This Diwali, let your Puja corner become more than just a place for rituals; let it become a private haven of gratitude, peace and divine light, harmonizing tradition with modern tranquility.

Diwali will be celebrated on October 31st. (Image: Shutterstock)

As Diwali approaches, homes around the world transform into sanctuaries of light and devotion, embracing the divine aura of the season. As part of this celebration, the Puja Corner holds a special place – a sacred place where spirituality meets everyday life, offering a moment of reflection amidst the festivities. Designing a personal Puja corner is not just about creating a beautiful space, but about creating a serene sanctuary that represents peace, devotion and positive energy. In this article we present the ideas of two leading architects, Ar. Jaideep Thareja, Founder and Principal Architect, Jaideep Thareja Architects, and Ar. Rajkumar Kumwat, Founder and Principal Architect, Rajkumar Architects, on designing a Puja Corner that exudes the essence of Diwali.

Texture design with fabrics

For Jaideep Thareja, a well-designed Puja corner is as much about the visual appeal as it is about the tactile experience. “Using a variety of soft textures can create a feeling of comfort and relaxation,” he explains. Start by decorating the space with a plush rug or dhurrie that can serve as the foundation of the room. Then add pillows or prayer rugs made from soft, natural materials such as silk or cotton. For the altar itself, Tareja suggests using fabric drapes of delicate silk or organza to frame the deity, adding elegance without overwhelming the space. This use of fabric creates a luxurious feel while maintaining the serenity of the Puja corner.

Create a serene atmosphere with color and light

Rajkumar Kumwat emphasizes the importance of atmosphere, starting with a soothing color palette. “Choose neutral colors like white or cream to evoke purity and calm,” he recommends. To make it even more festive, add accents of traditional Diwali colors like red, gold and orange. This combination creates a calming yet festive atmosphere. Lighting also plays a crucial role; Soft, warm lighting, whether from traditional oil lamps or modern sources, can enhance the spiritual atmosphere. To further stimulate the senses, Kumwat suggests diffusing essential oils like jasmine to infuse the space with tranquility.

Puja Corner Lighting

Lighting is fundamental to the sacred ambiance of a Puja site, and Thareja advises combining traditional and modern elements to enhance the ambience. “Brass or copper diyas placed around the deity symbolize divine light,” he explains. In addition to traditional oil lamps, consider unobtrusive modern lighting that will enhance the overall aura of the space. The combination of both types of lighting creates a warm, inviting glow that is both practical and spiritually uplifting.

Personalize your Puja corner with meaningful touches

According to Kumwat, the Puja corner should reflect personal style and resemble the spiritual traditions of the family. He suggests using family heirlooms, such as antique oil lamps or cookware, which add a sense of nostalgia and personal history. Small plants, fresh flowers and natural materials can further strengthen the connection to nature and enhance the spirituality of a space. Plus, hanging artwork or symbols that speak to personal beliefs can add a unique, creative touch to the decor.

Marble Accents for Rich Spirituality

Thareja recommends marble for its luxurious yet soothing effect, often using it to create a luxurious yet serene backdrop in Puja corners. “Marble corners with gold inlay are particularly popular for their timeless elegance,” he notes, suggesting that the natural patterns of marble enhance the serene aura of the space. The result is an exquisite focal point that combines spirituality with a touch of luxury, making it perfect for a Puja corner.

Merging tradition with LED lighting

Offering a modern twist on the traditional Puja setup, Kumwat offers floating shelves with LED lighting for a vibrant, contemporary look. “This setup is especially useful for small spaces and allows you to combine the sacredness of the Puja corner with an elegant design,” he explains. Wall shelves made from materials such as teak or marble create an altar that appears to “float” on the wall, adding a minimalist touch. LED lighting with customizable colors can add a soft and ethereal feel to the setting, adding a modern twist to a traditional Puja corner.

Creating a Balance of Devotion and Calmness

Ultimately, designing a Diwali Puja corner is about creating a balanced space that blends tradition with creativity. As Thareja emphasizes: “It is about creating a space that becomes not just a ritual area, but a refuge for peace and reflection.” Through thoughtful design, this sacred space becomes an epitome of devotion, allowing one to enjoy private moments of tranquility amidst the joyful celebrations of Diwali.

This Diwali, let your Puja corner become more than just a place for rituals; let it become a private haven of gratitude, peace and divine light, harmonizing tradition with modern tranquility.