With Sharad Navratri beginning on Sunday, October 11, here are five easy ways to turn one shelf or tabletop into a puja corner that feels warm, familiar and very much yours.
There’s no dhol drifting in from the next lane, no neighbour dropping by with prasad, and a rental agreement that probably says something firm about candles and smoke alarms. Navratri has a way of making home feel a long way off when you’re living abroad. But a festive corner doesn’t need a big space or a big budget, and it doesn’t need open flames either.
Decor that doesn’t damage the walls is a renter’s best friend. Fresh flowers from a local market or florist, loose petals in a shallow bowl, and a string of marigold-coloured paper flowers on a table edge all work well. Skip nails and strong adhesives, and use removable hooks or washi tape for a small toran. For rangoli, try a washable alternative on a tray or a board, such as petals, coloured rice or a reusable mat, so there’s nothing to scrub off the floor afterwards.
Indian grocery stores, temple shops and online sellers often stock puja items like kumkum, incense, kalash and prasad ingredients, so it’s worth checking nearby before you order. Plan ahead since delivery can take time. Where something isn’t available, improvise with what you have: a steel bowl for a kalash, a regular coconut, or fruit and dry fruits for the offering. And if your building doesn’t allow incense, a few drops of essential oil in a diffuser, or a flameless scented option, can carry the same fragrance without the smoke. The part of Navratri that’s hardest to replicate is the company. Look for a local temple, a cultural association or an Indian student or professional group, since many put on garba and dandiya nights, and an evening there can feel like a short trip home. If you’re still searching, invite a few friends over for aarti and a simple vrat meal. And keep your family in the loop too. A video call at aarti time, or sharing a photo of your corner each morning, makes the distance feel a little smaller.