It is that time of the year, when the streets are lined with elaborate thermocol backdrops, intricate carnation arrangements, fancy string lights, and a paraphernalia of colourful decorations to welcome Bappa home. But since the pandemic has changed our festive routines, art and craft expert Dimpi Karan Mehta, who runs the Juhu-based All Things Love DIY Studio, suggests we take inspiration from scraps of paper, old strips of cloth, popsicle sticks and other miscellaneous objects around the house to decorate the mandap.

Fan out some colours

Setting up the backdrop of the idol is important as it sets the right mood for the festivities. "You can rustle up something simple but colourful like paper fans. Either stick a bunch of them behind the idol with fairy lights, or string them together and hang them," she adds.