Spirit of the season

Opulent or intimate, festival gatherings at home are about creating unforgettable experiences, writes Abhilasha Ojha

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From cascading marigolds to handmade incense stations and grazing tables artfully curated with edible diyas, the mood for festive gatherings this season is one of sensory opulence. Extravagant soirées continue to stir curiosity—with haute couture flown in from Paris; glittering champagne fountains; food stations the size of football fields; swimming pools bedecked with tealights and petals; and live performances that cost upwards of a crore.

In the midst of it all, a quieter movement is unfolding within the homes of discerning hosts. Think personal histories woven into heirloom silks, nostalgic playlists, and lighting installations that blur the line between ritual and theatre. Unsurprisingly, global brands are once again turning up to be part of the festival season, right through Onam, Ganesh Chaturthi, Durga Puja, Dussehra, and Diwali.

Spanish luxury brand Lladro, for instance, has launched a celebratory candle—a citrusy, fruity blend of bergamot, tuberose, sandalwood, and musk—marked by a hand-engraved 'Om' on the porcelain lid. Part of the 25-year milestone of its "Spirit of India" collection, which includes divinity idols, Lladro's new studio in Chanakya, New Delhi, showcases statement porcelain.

Floor lamps, and tealight holders etc. The pieces echo a broader design philosophy: that festive illumination must be both aesthetic and intimate, a carrier of memory as much as light.

A mehfil at homeThis philosophy is reflected in the homes that are getting ready to host festival lunches, brunches and dinners.