33 DIY Diwali Decoration Ideas (Easy & Kid-Friendly)

Diwali, the festival of lights, is celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists, and in 2026 the main day falls on Sunday, November 8. Decorating is a big part of it: lamps, lanterns, flower garlands and rangoli at the entrance.

Here are 33 DIY Diwali decoration ideas, from five-minute paper fans to clay diyas, with the materials, an age range, a difficulty level and short steps for each. Most are kid-friendly with an adult nearby.

Quick Picks: Easy Diwali Decorations at a Glance

Idea	Best for	Time	Main materials
Paper fans (#7)	Ages 4+, easy	15 min	Colored paper, tape or glue
Washi tape candle holders (#26)	Ages 6+, easy	30 min	Glass jars, washi tape, LED tea lights
Flower rangoli (#12)	Ages 3+, easy	30-45 min	Fresh petals and flowers
Paper diya garland (#19)	Ages 5+, easy	45 min	Colored paper, string, glue
Fairy light photo wall (#1)	Adults, easy	30 min	String lights, clips, printed photos
Paper marigolds (#2)	Ages 6+, medium	1 hour	Tissue or crepe paper, pipe cleaners
Popsicle stick lanterns (#23)	Ages 6+, medium	1 hour	Craft sticks, tracing paper, glue
Clay diyas (#30)	Ages 4+, easy	45 min plus drying	Air-dry clay, paint, gems
Paper kandeel lantern (#31)	Ages 8+, medium	1 hour	Paper, glue, LED light
Salt dough diyas (#21)	Ages 3+, easy	30 min plus baking	Flour, salt, water, paint

Before You Start: Light and Safety Notes

• Use LED tea lights or battery candles inside anything made of paper, tape, yarn, cardboard, craft sticks or clay. The fire safety group NFPA recommends flameless candles and keeping any real flame at least 1 foot from anything that can burn.
• Real flames belong only in a proper metal or fired-clay diya or glass holder, on a stable surface, with an adult in the room.
• Sequins, gems, beads and small buttons are choking hazards. Skip them for children under 3, and supervise closely under age 5.
• Hot glue guns are for adults and older kids with supervision. Use tacky glue or glue dots for younger children.

What Do You Need to Decorate for Diwali?

A basic kit covers most of this list: colored and metallic paper, scissors, glue, string, LED tea lights, craft sticks, air-dry clay, washable paint and a few fresh or paper flowers. Fairy lights, glass jars and washi tape cover most of the rest.

1. Fairy Light Photo Wall

Adults | Easy | 30 minutes

Twinkling lights are the heart of Diwali decorating. Hang a strand of battery-powered fairy lights across a wall and clip on photos of family and friends.

1. Mark where the strand will hang, then use nails or removable hooks (adult job).
2. Drape the lights in a gentle swag.
3. Clip printed photos along the strand with mini clothespins.
4. Switch on the lights at dusk.

Get the instructions on Lights 4 Fun.

2. Paper Marigold Flowers

Ages 6+ | Medium | About 1 hour for a small bunch

Marigolds are strongly tied to Diwali and other Indian festivals, where fresh marigold garlands hang over doors. Paper versions last for years and make a bright centerpiece or garland.

1. Stack 6-8 sheets of tissue or crepe paper and cut into squares.
2. Accordion-fold the stack and wrap a pipe cleaner or thin wire around the middle.
3. Round or trim the ends, then pull each layer up and toward the center, one at a time.
4. Fluff into a full flower and tie several to a string for a garland.

Tutorials on Artsy Craftsy Mom, artsycraftsymom.com.

3. Painted Clay Flower Lanterns and Tealight Holders

Ages 6+ | Medium | 1 hour plus drying

Shape air-dry clay into a small flower-shaped cup, paint it in bright colors and use it as a tealight holder that keeps for years. Air-dry clay is not heat-proof, so use an LED tea light.

1. Roll clay about 1/4 inch thick and cut a flower shape with a cutter or by hand.
2. Press it over a small bowl to make a shallow cup and let it dry for a day or two.
3. Paint with acrylics and add gems with craft glue.
4. Set an LED tea light inside.

Learn how on Baker Ross, bakerross.co.uk.

4. Papercut Lamp

Ages 8+ | Medium | 45 minutes

A papercut lamp is a paper shade with cut-out patterns that glow when lit from inside. Always use an LED light.

1. Fold a sheet of colored paper in half lengthwise and cut a series of slits from the fold, stopping short of the edge.
2. Unfold, roll into a cylinder and glue or staple the seam.
3. Set it over an LED tea light.

Video tutorial on Make Zine, makezine.com.

5. Macrame-Covered Candle Holder

Ages 12+ | Medium to hard | 1-2 hours

Knotted macrame cord around a glass jar gives an earthy, textured look. It takes patience, but the pattern is repetitive. Use an LED candle, since cotton cord burns.

1. Cut several cords about four times the jar height.
2. Tie them into a sling that holds the jar.
3. Work square knots in rows around the jar.
4. Finish with a hanging loop and add an LED tea light.

Find out more on Crafting on the Fly.

6. Stained Glass Jars and Vases

Ages 8+ | Easy | 30 minutes plus drying

Glass paint turns plain mason jars and vases into colorful lanterns. Check the paint label for cure time, and use LED lights unless the label says it is safe with a tea light. More ideas are on craftwhack.com.

1. Wash and dry the jar.
2. Paint or dab on glass paint in patterns.
3. Let it cure as directed.
4. Add a tea light.

Learn more on Color Made Happy.

7. Colorful Paper Fans

Ages 4+ | Easy | 15 minutes each

The trick is in the colors: pair bold, contrasting or metallic papers. A row of fans makes a quick backdrop.

1. Accordion-fold a sheet of paper in 1/2-inch pleats.
2. Pinch the middle and tape or glue it.
3. Open the fan and glue the two ends of the fold together.
4. Hang it on a wall or in a cluster.

See the tutorials on Bright Kid Fun, brightkidfun.com.

8. Glitter Paper Lanterns

Ages 5+ | Easy | 30 minutes

Glitter cardstock lanterns shimmer in the dark. Do not use real candles. LED lights only.

1. Fold glitter paper in half and cut parallel slits from the fold, leaving a 1-inch border.
2. Unfold and glue the short edges together to form a cylinder.
3. Add a paper handle and an LED tea light.

Tutorials on Artsy Craftsy Mom, artsycraftsymom.com.

9. Clay Elephant Ornaments

Ages 6+ | Medium | 45 minutes plus drying

Elephants are not specifically a Diwali symbol, but they are a well-known image of India and look great painted and sparkly.

1. Roll air-dry or modeling clay and cut or sculpt an elephant shape.
2. Poke a hole at the top for string before it dries.
3. Paint and decorate with gems or sequins (not for children under 3).
4. Thread with ribbon and hang.

Instructions on Baker Ross, bakerross.co.uk.

10. Yarn Tea Light Holder

Ages 8+ | Easy | 30 minutes

Twigs wrapped in yarn form a small teepee around a tea light. Use an LED tea light, since yarn burns.

1. Tie three or four twigs or skewers at the top.
2. Spread them into a cone and wrap yarn around them.
3. Place an LED tea light inside.

Learn how on Blue Bear Wood.

11. Glass Bangle Candle Holders

Ages 8+ | Easy | 30 minutes plus drying

Old glass bangles stack into a small ring that holds a tea light. Because glass is sturdy, they last for years.

1. Choose 4-6 bangles of the same size.
2. Stack them, gluing each ring to the next with strong craft glue.
3. Let dry fully.
4. Place an LED tea light inside.

Learn more on Red Ted Art, redtedart.com.

How Do You Make a Diwali Rangoli?

12. Flower Rangoli

Ages 3+ | Easy | 30-45 minutes

Rangoli is a pattern made at the entrance of a home, traditionally from colored powder, rice flour or flower petals. A flower version costs almost nothing.

1. Pick a flat spot and sketch a simple circle or star with chalk.
2. Gather petals and sort by color.
3. Fill in the pattern from the center out.
4. Place a diya or LED light at the center.

Get the tutorials on The Educator’s Spin on It, theeducatorsspinonit.com.

13. Beaded Door Hanging (Toran)

Ages 6+ | Medium | 1 hour

A decorative door hanging welcomes guests. Beads are small, so skip this one for children under 3.

1. Cut cords to the length you want.
2. Thread beads and gems onto each cord, then knot the bottom.
3. Tie the cords to a dowel or ribbon.
4. Hang it on the door.

Get the tutorials on Baker Ross, bakerross.co.uk.

14. Polymer Clay Candle Holder

Ages 10+ | Medium | 1 hour plus baking

Polymer clay hardens in a home oven, so you can sculpt a bright, patterned holder. Bake exactly per package directions, and use an LED tea light rather than a flame.

1. Condition the clay by kneading it.
2. Shape a small cup and decorate with colorful clay pieces.
3. Bake in an oven per the package, then cool.
4. Set an LED tea light inside.

Take a look on Crafts Beautiful, crafts-beautiful.com.

15. Butterfly Lantern

Ages 8+ | Medium | 1 hour

A rectangular paper lantern with butterfly cut-outs glued around it. Add glitter to the wings if you like.

1. Build a rectangular paper lantern.
2. Cut butterfly shapes from craft paper.
3. Glue them on and add glitter.
4. Place an LED tea light inside.

Tutorials on My Poppet, mypoppet.com.au.

16. Accordion Fold Paper Diya

Ages 5+ | Easy | 20 minutes each

Accordion-fold paper makes a quick flat diya shape. Hang a few on a wall or string them on a door.

1. Cut strips of paper and accordion-fold them.
2. Fold the strip in half and glue the ends to form a fan-like lamp.
3. Add sequins (for children over 3).
4. Tie to string.

Tutorials on Artsy Craftsy Mom, artsycraftsymom.com.

17. Diwali Wreath

Ages 5+ | Easy | 1 hour

A door wreath decorated with small diyas and gems. Kids can make it with an adult helping with glue.

1. Cut a ring from cardboard or use a wreath base.
2. Glue on small diya shapes and gems.
3. Let it dry flat.
4. Add a ribbon to hang.

Instructions on Baker Ross, bakerross.co.uk.

18. Paper Lotus Wall Art

Ages 8+ | Medium | 1 hour

The lotus is one of the symbols of Diwali. Layer cut petals in colors that suit your room.

1. Cut many petals from cardstock in two or three sizes.
2. Curl each petal slightly with a pencil.
3. Glue them in layers onto a paper circle.
4. Mount on the wall.

Find out more on Nimasonti, nimasonti.com.

19. Paper Diya Garland

Ages 5+ | Easy | 45 minutes

Small paper diyas strung on yarn make a colorful garland for a wall or door.

1. Cut diya shapes from colored paper.
2. Decorate with sequins or markers.
3. Glue them onto a long strand of yarn or string.
4. Hang.

Find out more on Red Ted Art, redtedart.com.

20. Easy Paper Diya for Kids

Ages 4+ | Easy | 15 minutes each

A diya is a small lamp, and a paper version gives young kids a safe way to make one in lots of colors.

1. Cut a rounded boat or cup shape from colored cardstock, or follow the folding method in the tutorial.
2. Glue the sides so it holds a little curve.
3. Cut a flame from orange or yellow paper and glue it behind the diya.
4. Decorate with markers or stickers.

Learn more on redtedart.com.

21. Salt Dough Diyas

Ages 3+ with help | Easy | 30 minutes plus baking and drying

Salt dough is just flour, salt and water, so kids can shape their own small diyas. Younger children can decorate while an adult does the shaping. It is not edible, so keep it away from toddlers and pets. These are for decoration, so set an LED tea light nearby rather than lighting a flame in them.

1. Mix 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt and about 1 cup water until it forms a smooth dough.
2. Roll into balls and press a thumb into the center to make a shallow bowl.
3. Bake at a low oven temperature (around 200-250 degrees F) until hard, or air-dry for several days. Time depends on thickness.
4. Paint with acrylics or washable paint and add glitter.

Tutorials on Learning and Exploring Through Play, learningandexploringthroughplay.com.

22. Rangoli Craft for Kids

Ages 3+ | Easy | 30 minutes

Real rangoli is often made from colored rice flour or powder at the entrance. This craft version uses glue on paper, so there is nothing to sweep up.

1. Draw a pattern (dots, a flower or a star) on cardstock with a pencil.
2. Trace the lines with glue, one section at a time.
3. Sprinkle colored rice, sand or glitter and tap off the extra.
4. Finish with gems or sequins (not for children under 3).

Instructions on The Educators Spin on It, theeducatorsspinonit.com.

23. Popsicle Stick Lanterns

Ages 6+ | Medium | 1 hour plus drying

Craft sticks and tracing paper make a little glowing box. Because wood and paper burn, use battery-operated candles only.

1. Glue four craft sticks into a square, then stack more layers log-cabin style until the walls are tall enough.
2. Cut tracing paper to fit each side and glue it on, leaving the bottom open.
3. Decorate with markers, stickers or gems.
4. Set it over an LED tea light.

Tutorials on Artsy Craftsy Mom, artsycraftsymom.com.

24. Hanging Mason Jar Lights

Adults or ages 10+ with help | Easy | 30 minutes

Mason jars with LED candles or fairy lights turn a patio or garden into a glowing space, and they can stay up after the festival.

1. Wrap sturdy wire around the jar neck and twist it into a hanging loop.
2. Place a battery candle or a small fairy-light string inside.
3. Hang the jars from a branch, hook or pergola at different heights.

Tutorials on A Piece of Rainbow, apieceofrainbow.com.

25. Decorative Glitter Candle Holders

Ages 8+ | Easy | 45 minutes plus drying

Plain glass votives become festive with glitter glue, paint pens and gems, and they work on a dinner table all year.

1. Clean the glass and dry it.
2. Draw dots, paisley or flower patterns with glitter glue or paint pens.
3. Add gems while the glue is wet.
4. Let dry fully, then add an LED tea light.

Instructions on Anujajain, anujajain.wordpress.com.

26. Washi Tape Candle Holders

Ages 6+ | Easy | 30 minutes or less

Glass candle holders wrapped in washi tape are one of the fastest projects here. Washi tape is paper, so keep it away from any flame: use LED tea lights, or keep the tape well below the rim if you do light a candle with an adult present.

1. Wash and dry a glass holder.
2. Press strips of washi tape around it in stripes, zigzags or a chevron pattern.
3. Trim the ends with scissors.
4. Add an LED tea light.

Tutorials on Pink Chai Living, pinkchailiving.com.

27. Painted Paper Lanterns

Ages 4+ | Easy | 30 minutes plus drying

Paint paper in bright patterns, then fold it into a lantern. Bright colors mean they work as spring decor too.

1. Paint a sheet of paper with stripes, dots or flowers and let it dry.
2. Fold in half, cut slits from the fold, and unfold.
3. Roll into a cylinder and glue the seam, then add a paper handle.
4. Hang or place over an LED tea light.

Tutorials on Handmade Charlotte, handmadecharlotte.com.

28. Paper Lotus Tealight Holder

Ages 8+ | Medium | 45 minutes

The lotus is among the symbols of Diwali. This holder uses colored paper, scissors, glue and a pencil. Because it is paper, pair it with an LED tea light.

1. Trace and cut 12-16 petal shapes in two sizes.
2. Curl each petal around a pencil.
3. Glue the larger petals in a ring, then add a smaller ring on top.
4. Set an LED tea light in the center.

Tutorials on Artsy Craftsy Mom, artsycraftsymom.com.

29. Flower and Crepe Paper Petal Wall Hanging

Ages 10+ | Medium | 1-2 hours

Flower strings called torans hang over doorways at Indian celebrations. This version uses colorful crepe paper petals or faux flowers.

1. Cut petal shapes from crepe paper in several colors.
2. Punch or stitch a hole in each petal.
3. Thread petals or flowers onto string, layering colors.
4. Tie to a dowel or hang it over a doorway.

Tutorials on Oh Happy Days, ohhappyday.com.

How Do You Make a Diya?

A traditional diya is a small clay lamp with a cotton wick in oil or ghee. Potters shape them, dry them in the sun and fire them in a kiln. At home, you can make decorative diyas from air-dry clay, which is for display only, or paint real fired-clay diyas.

30. Clay Diyas

Ages 4+ | Easy | 45 minutes plus drying

Shape air-dry clay or playdough into small diyas and decorate them with paint and gems. Air-dry clay is not meant to be heated or to hold a flame. If you want a real lit diya, buy a fired-clay one and let an adult light it.

1. Roll a golf-ball-size piece of clay into a ball.
2. Press your thumb into the center and pinch one side to make a spout.
3. Let dry, then paint.
4. Add sequins or gems (not for children under 3), then place an LED tea light inside.

Tutorials on Little Passports, littlepassports.com, highlights.com.

31. Paper Kandeel Lantern

Ages 8+ | Medium | 1 hour

A kandeel (also kandil or akash kandil) is a traditional Diwali lantern, hung outside the house during the festival. Paper versions are pretty and easy.

1. Cut strips of colored paper and fold a rectangle in half.
2. Make cuts from the fold, stopping short of the edge.
3. Unfold, roll into a cylinder and glue.
4. Hang it with string and add an LED light.

Find out more on artsycraftsymom.com.

32. Sparkler Firework Craft

Ages 4+ | Easy | 15 minutes

Fireworks are risky for kids, so make a craft version instead. The tutorial uses colored cellophane, foil, jumbo straws, tape and scissors.

1. Cut foil to the size of the cellophane and sandwich it between two colors.
2. Fold in half lengthwise and cut strips from the open end toward the fold, without cutting through it.
3. Wrap tightly around a straw and tape.
4. Open the strips into a pom-pom shape. The foil crackles when shaken.

Tutorial on kidscraftroom.com.

33. Diya Wall Hanging

Ages 8+ | Medium | 45 minutes

Paper diyas hang vertically on a string. If you can cut paper into specific shapes, you can make it.

1. Cut several diya shapes from colored paper.
2. Decorate each one.
3. Glue them down a long string, spaced evenly.
4. Hang from a wall hook.

Tutorial on hobbyideas.in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What items are needed for Diwali decoration?

Colored paper, scissors, glue, string, LED tea lights, craft sticks, air-dry clay, paint and flowers cover most DIY decorations. Add fairy lights, glass jars and washi tape for table and wall pieces.

How is a diya made?

Traditional diyas are clay lamps shaped by hand or on a wheel, sun-dried and fired in a kiln. A cotton wick sits in oil or ghee. At home, kids can make decorative diyas from air-dry clay or salt dough and use LED lights inside.

What are some creative wall hanging craft ideas for children?

Paper diya garlands, accordion fold diyas, paper fans, crepe paper petal torans and paper lotus art are all kid-friendly. Most need only paper, glue and string.

What are some suitable activities for Diwali celebrations in schools?

Rangoli with chalk or paper, diya painting, lantern making and paper garlands work well in class. Keep real flames out of the classroom and use LED lights.

What are some easy Diwali decoration ideas for classrooms?

Paper fans, garlands, popsicle stick lanterns and paper marigolds are quick and cheap. Hang them on a bulletin board or across a window.

What are some creative Diwali crafts for children?

Try clay diyas, glitter paper lanterns, salt dough diyas, sparkler firework crafts and craft rangoli. Pick materials to match the age: skip small gems for children under 3.

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