Diwali home makeover: 7 Vastu-inspired changes to make before the festival

Happy Diwali: Diwali is seen as a good time to welcome prosperity and fresh starts. According to Vastu Shastra and Vedic astrology, getting your home ready before the festival and adding a few spiritual practices, can help bring a sense of harmony and well-being. Vastu specialist Sahil Kumar shares seven suggestions to consider before Diwali.

1. Clean up the main entrance

In Vastu, the main entrance is where opportunity and prosperity are said to come in. Before Diwali, clean it thoroughly, clear away anything you don’t need and make sure the door is in good shape. A traditional toran, fresh flowers and warm lights can finish it off. Keep footwear neatly placed and avoid clutter near the doorway.

2. Keep the northeast tidy and play the Hanuman Chalisa daily

The northeast, or Ishan Kon, is linked with spirituality, clarity and divine energy in Vastu. Keep this part of the house clean, open and well kept, and take out any broken items or unnecessary storage. Kumar also suggests playing or reciting the Hanuman Chalisa three times a day. Lord Hanuman stands for courage, strength and protection, and tradition holds that regular recitation brings inner confidence, devotion and peace to the home.

3. Get the puja room ready for Goddess Lakshmi

Diwali is closely tied to Goddess Lakshmi as she represents wealth, abundance and prosperity. Clean the puja room before Lakshmi Puja and arrange the idols with care. The space should be calm and free of unnecessary items. A clean mandir adds to the spiritual side of the preparations.

4. Light up the house with diyas

Lighting diyas stands for light winning over darkness and is one of the best-loved Diwali customs. Vastu favours bright, welcoming spaces, so light up the entrance, the living room and any dark corners with earthen lamps and warm lighting. Keep diyas safely away from curtains and other things that can catch fire.

5. Clear out broken and unused things

Declutter before the festival and let go of things you no longer use. Repair what can be saved, and sort out cupboards, storage areas and living spaces. Vastu puts a lot of weight on cleanliness and order, and a tidy home can also simply be more comfortable to live in.

6. Chandra–Shukra Puja before Diwali

Kumar recommends Chandra–Shukra Puja for people who want good health, prosperity and harmonious relationships. In Vedic astrology, Chandra (the Moon) stands for the mind, emotional well-being and peace, while Shukra (Venus) stands for comfort, love and happiness in relationships. The puja is linked with financial growth, marital harmony and overall well-being, and doing it before Diwali is considered auspicious.

7. High-energy stones in the northeast

According to certain spiritual and Vastu traditions, stones blessed by sages and placed in the northeast are believed to bring good fortune, wealth, harmony in relationships and good health. The northeast is associated with spiritual growth and divine energy, and these stones are thought to strengthen the positive atmosphere at home. This is a matter of belief and has no scientific backing.

“What if your Diwali home makeover was less about buying new things and more about changing how your space feels? Vastu offers interesting ways to rethink everyday interiors. Start by clearing clutter from the entrance, allowing natural light to flow in, and keeping the centre of the living room open. Furniture placement also matters, well-positioned sofas and chairs can encourage conversation while maintaining an easy flow of movement. Wooden furniture in earthy tones is often associated with warmth and grounding. A well-lit corner, a thoughtfully arranged puja space, or simply moving a heavy cabinet away from a window can transform the room. These small, intentional changes can make a home feel lighter, more balanced, and ready to welcome the festive season,” says Adi Venkatesh, Founder and CEO, Chaaya Furnitures.

Rearranging furniture

“It is possible to easily achieve your ideal interior space during Diwali. Clutter free entrances, along with placing sofas against walls that are stable and facilitating movement within your home can transform any living space. Just shifting a few pieces of furniture can help you strike a balance and add a sense of openness,” says Raghunandan Saraf, Founder and CEO at Saraf Furniture.

Festive interiors

“Use furniture made from materials like sheesham wood and wood tones to bring sophistication to the design, while keeping your home comfortable for your festive celebrations. Select pieces for the living room and leave the edges open to create space for parties,” Raghunandan reveals.