How Can You Decorate Your Home for Dussehra 2025?

A confluence of myth, tradition, and celebration, Dussehra marks the triumph of good over evil, a victory reverberating through the nation’s heart. This is also one of those days of the year when families meet, bond, and create precious memories together. This means you gotta decorate your house for that festive vibe! Discover how various Indian states observe Dussehra and explore simple DIY Dussehra decoration ideas to brighten your home with positive energy.

Quick festive ideas for room-wise Dussehra decor

• Entrance: Start with a colourful rangoli, hang lush marigold flowers and pair them with eco-friendly terracotta diyas along the pathway for a warm, traditional Dussehra welcome
• Living room: Arrange a Bomma Golu with clay dolls on odd-numbered shelves, depicting Ramayana scenes, paired with a thookku vilakku for a South Indian touch
• Bedroom: Paint an accent wall in auspicious red or yellow; hang torans with mango leaves for traditional vibrancy
• Kitchen: Decorate with flower garlands and small urulis filled with floating diyas, reflecting South Indian heritage
• Balcony: Create a vibrant flower rangoli with marigolds and roses; hang eco-friendly terracotta diyas for a festive glow
• Pooja corner: Set up a brass uruli with marigolds and floating candles; add neem and tulsi leaf garlands for sacredness

How is Dussehra celebrated in different regions in India?

Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami, is celebrated in different ways across India, each with its own unique interpretation:

South India

The Hindus of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka celebrate this day with Ayudha Puja, where tools and vehicles are worshipped. Doll shows (Bomma Kolu) are arranged in almost every house. Some believers depict the Kolu/koluvu/golu as a way of invoking the Gods into the house and believe they bequeath their powers to Goddess Durga for Her victory over the demon Mahisha.

A grand procession is taken out from the infamous Mysore Palace in Karnataka featuring an idol of the Goddess Chamundeshwari on a golden howdah atop a decorated elephant. The procession also includes other elephants, as well as the Navilu Kunita, Goravara Kunita, and Karadi Majalu.

North India

When it comes to northern Indian states, Delhi majorly witnesses enactments of Ram Leela, a theatrical version of the Ramayana, and Ravan Dahan, which symbolises the victory of good over evil. This year, the Ramila Maidan will have thousands of spectators watching the burning effigies of Ravana.

The Pata Yatra is a ritual in Bastar, Chhattisgarh that marks the beginning of Dussehra on the day of Hareli Amavasya. It begins by worshipping a log of wood called Turlu Khotla or Tika Pata from the Machakos forest in front of the Danteshwari Devi temple in Jagdalpur. This piece of wood is the first piece used to construct the chariot. The Bastar Dussehra is, however, a 75-day celebration involving several rituals performed by the tribal community of Chhattisgarh.

Ganga Dussehra in Uttar Pradesh goes on for 10 days when devotees flock to the banks of the Ganges at the break of dawn. The river Ganga is believed to have descended to earth from heaven on this day (the 10th day of Shukla Paksha).

In West Bengal, the 7 days of Durga Puja ends with Bijoya Dashami (which means the 10th day of victory). This day witnesses the symbolic boron (bidding adieu) of Goddess Durga and her children. Devotees play the Sindhur Khela, do aarti, and feed the Goddess sweets as a farewell ritual. Paan leaves are used to wipe the Goddess’ eyes to wipe her tears and then the bashan starts (the procession to the holy river of Ganga for immersion).

The garba is yet another Dussehra (known as Navratri in Gujarat) ritual that represents the theory that the feminine form of God is the only unchanging element in this constantly changing jagat. The circle of garba symbolises the changing seasons of nature and life.

How to decorate a home on Dussehra?

Dussehra commemorates the victory of Lord Rama over the demon king Ravana. Decorating homes is a way to show reverence and devotion to the deities involved in the story. The festival is marked by the lighting of lamps (diyas), symbolising the victory of light (good) over darkness (evil). Here are some simple Dussehra decoration ideas:

Dussehra decoration ideas for home #1: Artwork

Crafting, painting, or whatever you call art is such a therapeutic and bonding activity that can be done with your family. Grab a few matchsticks or even rice grains and glue them into a mural of Ma Durga or Lord Ram. Even shora painting is a great wall decor idea for Dussehra that you can hang on to after the festival. You could also print out a poster of Ravan ka dahan or a scene from Ramayana and put it on a frame to be hung on your traditionally decked living spaces.

Dussehra decoration ideas for home #2: Idols for Golu

You can get these traditional doll displays, known as Golu, Gombe Habba, Bommai golu, or Bommala Koluvu, to depict scenes from Hindu mythology, court life, weddings, and everyday life. Arrange them thematically to tell the story of the goddess’ victory over Mahishasura. The dolls, often made of wood or coconut, could be your heirlooms passed down through generations. You could also follow the South Indian tradition of giving the dolls to brides as part of their wedding trousseau. Remember to display an odd number of dolls on odd-numbered steps or padi, facing east, to symbolise the goddess’ victory.

More about Kuthuvilakku lamp coming up!

Dussehra decoration ideas for home #3: Flower garlands

One of the easiest home decor ideas for festivals is putting up flower garlands around the house. You could choose to design it in creative ways like hanging it from a ceiling or beam, allowing it to cascade down gracefully, creating a floral archway using a metal frame or wooden dowels, wrapping a frame with a garland of your choice, and decorating it with additional flowers or foliage. You can also hang a garland on a wall to create a unique piece of art or create a beautiful centrepiece for your dining table by arranging a garland in a circular or spiral pattern.

Dussehra decoration ideas for home #4: Flower rangoli

This Dussehra decoration idea is perfect for diwali too. Create a rangoli around a diya to symbolise the victory of light over darkness. Experiment with geometric shapes and patterns for a contemporary look. Incorporate elements of nature, such as flowers, leaves, and petals, into your rangoli.

Dussehra decoration ideas for home #5: Eco-friendly terracotta diya

They are made from natural clay, are biodegradable, and can be reused year after year. Here are some creative ideas for arranging terracotta diyas in your home:

• Create a chain of diyas by connecting them with string or wire. Hang the chain in your doorway or window for a festive look
• Arrange diyas in intricate patterns or designs to create a beautiful and meaningful rangoli
• Use a small tree branch or a piece of driftwood as a base and attach diyas to the branches to create a unique and eye-catching display
• You could also place diyas inside glass jars or vases
• Create a centrepiece for your dining table using diyas and other decorative elements

Dussehra decoration ideas for home #6: Torans and Bandhanwars

Torans and bandhanwars are deeply rooted in Indian culture and hold significant historical and symbolic importance. The knots tied in bandhanwars are believed to have specific meanings and powers. Hang a toran above your main entrance, in your window, as wall hangings or to adorn shelves and furniture. Select torans and bandhanwars that complement the colours of your home decor. Personalise it with attachments, such as adding small decorative items or tying the strings in unique ways.

Dussehra decoration ideas for home #7: Uruli

Urulis are considered sacred an culturally important in many south Indian states and is often used in religious settings. Filling the uruli with a vibrant arrangement of flowers, such as marigolds, lilies, or roses can turn it into a stunning centrepiece idea for your centre tables. Place a few diyas within the uruli for a warm and festive glow; make them float to create a a more elegant look.

Dussehra decoration ideas for home #8: Festive textiles

Adding Indian textile in and around your living space can add to the festive joy in your house. For an easy and quick decoration, change your sofa covers to the traditional ones with madhubani print or kalamkari work. You could add photo frames with inexpensive prints of Indian motifs or hang a thookku vilakku. Keep reading for roomwise Dussehra decoration ideas!

Dussehra decoration ideas for home #9: Navratri decor

Excited about garba yet? Navratri decoration ideas are all about adding torans, flowers, garlands, DIY paper crafts in Navratri colours around your house. But if you want Navratri specific decoration ideas, you could create beautiful wall art piece using dandiyas or hang ghumtas (traditional head coverings) in a colourful display on a wall or ceiling. You can arrange them in a circular pattern or cascade them down.

Also Read: Wall Art Wonders: Exploring Ideas and Tips for Stylish Home Decor

Dussehra decoration ideas for home #10: Modern display of Bomma Kolu with thookku vilakku

Traditionally, bomma golu is created on a triangular platform in odd number of steps but if you have a modern display unit with odd number of display shelves you could spin a contemporary twist to Bomma kolu.

Dussehra decoration ideas for home #11: With leaves

Leaves can be a beautiful and eco-friendly addition to your Dussehra home decor. Here are some villakku and leaf garland decoration ideas:

• Arrange leaves around the base of your villakku in intricate patterns or designs
• Create a natural mat using leaves to place your villakku on
• Frame your villakku with a wreath of leaves or a leaf-shaped cutout
• Create garlands using different types of auspicious leaves, such as mango leaves, neem leaves, or tulsi leaves
• Combine leaves with colourful flowers to create a vibrant and fragrant garland

Dussehra decoration ideas for home #12: Colourful clay pot stacks

Stack terracotta pots in graduating sizes and paint each in vibrant festival colours—think saffron, vermillion, and deep forest green. Fill with marigolds or small succulents for vertical gardens that celebrate both tradition and contemporary plant parent aesthetics. These matka towers become instant conversation starters while honouring age-old pottery traditions.

Dussehra decoration ideas for home #13: Colourful bamboo baskets

Paint bamboo baskets in festival hues and hang them on walls as three-dimensional art pieces. Fill with silk flowers or battery-operated fairy lights for wall displays that save precious floor space—perfect for urban apartments where every square foot counts. The natural bamboo texture against painted surfaces creates visual depth that feels both modern and rooted.

Dussehra decoration ideas for home #14: Jute rope chandeliers

Weave jute ropes into chandelier forms and incorporate small LED tea lights or traditional diyas between the fibres. The rustic texture catches light beautifully while the eco-friendly materials satisfy contemporary environmental consciousness. It’s the sort of lighting that makes dinner guests forget they’re in a city apartment.

Dussehra decoration ideas for home #15: Repurposed saree drapes

Give your vintage silk sarees a new purpose by hanging them on doorways or windows. The rich fabrics add luxury while the upcycling aspect speaks to modern sustainability values. Drape them asymmetrically for contemporary appeal, letting traditional motifs tell their stories through fabric rather than frames.

Dussehra decoration ideas for home #16: Brass bell strings

String small brass bells into cascading arrangements that chime gently with air movement. The metallic gleam catches festival lighting while the soft sounds add an auditory dimension to your decor. It’s a decoration that engages multiple senses rather than just the visual.

How to decorate your 3BHK home in Bengaluru with flowers for Dussehra?

Focus on marigolds and roses for entrance rangolis, jasmine garlands around doorframes, and floating flowers in urulis throughout each room. Use banana leaves as natural serving platters and create small flower carpets in living areas for an authentic South Indian festival atmosphere.

How to set up Bomma Golu in a Chennai apartment for Dussehra?

Use odd-numbered shelves (3, 5, 7 levels) against any available wall, arrange clay dolls depicting Ramayana scenes, and place a traditional thookhu vilakku nearby for authentic lighting. Add miniature brass items and small plants to create complete storytelling scenes within compact apartment spaces.

How to use eco-friendly diyas in a Delhi home for Dussehra?

Position terracotta diyas along windowsills, balcony railings, and entrance pathways. Use mustard oil with cotton wicks for traditional illumination, clustering them in odd numbers for visual impact. Ensure proper ventilation and keep away from curtains for urban apartment safety.

How to create a festive living room in Mumbai for Dussehra?

Arrange floor seating with bright festival cushions, hang marigold torans across doorways, and use brass urulis with floating candles as centrepieces. Traditional brass lamps provide warm lighting that combats harsh city illumination while creating an authentic festival ambience.

How to use a vilakku for Dussehra decor in a Hyderabad home?

Place traditional brass vilakkus in pooja corners and main entrances, maintaining proper oil levels for consistent flames. Group different sizes together for dramatic effect, positioning them where they can cast beautiful shadows without creating fire hazards in apartment settings.

How to use handwoven baskets for Dussehra decor in a Kochi living room?

Fill handwoven baskets with seasonal flowers like marigolds and jasmine, arrange at varying heights using side tables or plant stands, and incorporate LED string lights inside for an evening glow. The natural textures complement Kerala’s traditional aesthetic while providing practical storage solutions.

Living room transformation idea for Dussehra

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A Dussehra-inspired living room design is just what you need this festive season and what’s easier than adding an Indian traditional wallpaper. These wallpaper designs come with stories from the holy texts so you could pick the ones that depict Ramayana. For a more subtle Dussehra decoration idea, choose the ones with Indian motif prints.

Also Read: 20 Gorgeous Living Room Designs From Livspace Homes to Inspire You

Bedroom remodel idea in Dussehra colours

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Orange, yellow, and red are considered auspicious in Hinduism and Dussehra is all about cleaning and revamping your house too. Conisder painting an accent wall as your bedroom design revamp in these colours and trust us it’ll be a great the upcoming Diwali too. Go for textured paint to add some tactile freshness to your wall.

Kitchen renovation idea in Dussehra colours

Kitchen renovations are easier to do than you think! Some Indian-inspired wallpaper of floor tiles can turn your kitchen into a festive place of joy. Do not forget to add flower garlands and uruli decoration on the walls or on the island of your kitchen design to seal the look.

How do I decorate my house for festivals?

Festival decoration works best when you plan room-specific themes, incorporate traditional elements like diyas and rangolis, use seasonal flowers abundantly, and create focal points in each space. Balance cultural significance with your home’s functionality, considering lighting, colour coordination, and safety. For comprehensive seasonal inspiration across various Indian celebrations, explore Livspace’s Diwali decoration guide, Onam decor ideas and more.

The wonderful thing about Dussehra decoration is how it connects us to something larger while working perfectly within modern constraints. From Mysore’s magnificent Dasara celebrations with their elaborate floral decorations adorning the famous elephant processions to the intimate glow of diyas in your urban flat, the festival bridges grand tradition with personal celebration.

Also Read: Durga Puja Decoration At Home: This Festive Season, Celebrate Inside

How can Livspace help you?

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