This Diwali put up a toran at your doorstep

This Diwali put up a toran at your doorstep

Golden-yellow roses hanging on a golden-bead string is the perfect decoration for your door frame. City markets are filled with such door hangings, popularly known as torans or bandanwaars. This Diwali, get a toran assembled with a cluster of crystals, pearls, beads or sequins for your entrance. Gone are the days of the typical fresh flower bandanwaars at the entrance of almost every home. Now, torans are classier and come in various sizes. These not only enhance the charm of the main entrance of your home but also gives a warm welcome to those who drop in to wish you on Diwali. Torans are made from variety of materials such as stockings, tissue, silk and swag. Prerna Lagothe, owner of an design outlet says that people want to follow and be in vogue, so they demand something new every day. “Torans, hangings and pearl torans are mostly bought by people. It is a new concept and these torans can give your home an elite look. There is hardly any one asking for torans made from fresh flowers,” Lagothe added. From stockings, tissue to crystal and pearls, a variety of torans are stocked in for you. They are priced from Rs700 to Rs3,500. One can find stunning torans in various sizes. “As these torans are reusable, people prefer buying them. Torans made from fresh flowers do not remain fresh for more than two days,” said Srikala Mathur, who also makes such torans at home. Marwaris and Punjabis splurge more on contemporary torans. People say having a toran at the entrance of your house or on the gates of the temple is auspicious and brings good luck. Many buy torans not only for their own houses but also to gift their relatives and friends. “I bought a toran for my house and many of my relatives too as a Diwali gift. Apart from giving sweets and cash, torans are ideal for gifting,” said Sanchita Naik, a resident, who bought colourful torans in various designs from the market. Some stores also make conventional kind of bandanwaars with flowers, mirrorwork, embroidered, dori, etc. Another outlet offers a variety of such traditional door hangings. Sujith Khona, owner of the store, said that Gujaratis usually buy these torans. “I have seen Gujaratis and Rajasthanis spending a lot of time and money on bandanwaars. People place order for various sizes and ask for different colours of torans for their houses. We make to order as per their requirements,” said Sujith. Torans are not limited to entrance of their houses but people also order for their entire house — 50ft, 75ft, 100ft and such like. These torans are priced quite reasonably. They range between Rs60 and Rs450. Apart from being an expression of art, torans are considered a symbol of good luck. Displaying them at home also shows that we treasure Indian culture. So welcome your guest with these beautiful art pieces during Diwali.