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A Puja Thali is a metal plate, usually made up of copper, brass, steel, silver and sometimes even gold, in which are kept all those accessories(puja samagri) that are required to perform the puja(worship) of Gods and Goddesses. The Diwali Puja Thali is vital to the worship of Goddess Lakshmi and her brother Lord Ganesh that is an integral part of Diwali celebrations. During Diwali, Hindus worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, and Ganesh, the God of auspicious beginnings, to usher in wellbeing and prosperity to individual homes.

The Thali decoration is a vital aspect of the Diwali rituals and hence, much care is taken in assembling together all the items needed for decorating the thali. Hindu kids greatly enjoy decorating the thali and consider it a privilege to recieve the permission to do so. However, just before the puja it is up to the ladies of the home to ensure that the thali is in proper order for it is to be remembered that all items on the plate are actually offerings to the deities.

The beautifully designed Diwali Puja Thalis are simply indispensable in performing worships during the festival of lights. This is how you can decorate traditionally a typical Diwali Puja Thali:

1) Take a thali of gold, silver, steel, copper, brass or any other metal of your choice. The shape can be round, oval or any other mold of your preference.

2) Take some roli in a small bowl and mix little water in it to make a paste and draw with it religious symbols such as 'Om', 'Swastika' or 'Shree' or images of deities in the middle of the plate.

3) Cover the entire plate with bright colored piece of cotton cloth having a traditional print(traditional Rajasthani prints look just great) or designer gift wrap paper sheet. Then draw over it traditional designs. Play up the corners of the plate with a lace or zari(a type of thread made of fine gold or silver wire) of a color that is in contrast to the base. You can also glue glitter paste and golden sequins to decorate the thali.

4) Deck up the thali with green betel leaves, which will make it look beautiful. Then put the sundry puja accessories on the thali in the right manner to make it look elegant.

5) Finally, cover the puja thali with petals of marigold, rose or any other flower used in sacred Hindu festivals. Decorate various designs with single color petals or a combination of different rangoli colors.


Happy Deepavali to everyone!