15 Fresh Diya Colouring Ideas to Dazzle this Diwali

(Updated in October ’22 with the latest designs)

This post is a compilation of over 15 colouring ideas to decorate your earthen / clay/ terracotta diyas this Diwali in festive colours, some offbeat ones and some usual, bright ones. If you don’t have the time, you can click the link to buy.

Last year, I asked my son to paint a terracotta urn. I let the glazing colors and his imagination flow uninhibited. True to my expectations, it was a riot of colors. We filled the urn as a centerpiece for diyas at the entrance, filled with water and floated some candles and flowers. It was amazing and every time someone commented it was beautiful, he beamed with joy.

Then this summer, got him a dozen diyas and asked him to paint and decorate. The painted diyas will get lit up this Diwali. I’m sure you’ve tried it. If not, get your kids into action this Diwali holidays.  

What colors are used for diya painting?

You can use acrylic colors from Fevicryl or any other brand to paint. Let the diyas be dipped in water overnight before you paint them. Wipe them dry and then paint them.

What things do you need to decorate a diya?

You can decorate diyas with

• acryclic colors
• stones from craft shops
• pearls from craft shops
• use fabric glue to stick stones
• glitter

How long should diyas be soaked in water before they can be painted or filled with oil?

It is best to leave them filled in a bucket of water for 24 hours

Why do you soak diyas in water before painting or lighting?

So that they absorb less oil

Can clay diyas be reused?

Yes, once used, clean them with soap and store them away to be used next year. However as per tradition, it is believed to be auspicious to buy a few new ones every year for Diwali.

Here are a few ideas and colour combinations:

1. Terracotta painted diya in green, red and blue. You can buy the same here.

2. Hand painted diya in several colors. You can buy this from here.

3. This set of 21 colorful deepaks is beautifully decorated in floral patterns for a unique look.

4. You can buy this from here.

5. You can buy this from here.

6. Ceramic hand painted diya. You can buy them here.

7. Multi-colored chikni mitti reusable diya. You can buy them here.

Worried if you are late for Diwali cleaning? I have you covered. These take just 15-30 minutes for your time.

How to Get a Sparkling Clean Home This Diwali in 30 Minutes a Day

8. Shankh shaped earthen hand painted diya. You can buy the same here.

9. Hand decorated and painted diyas.

10. Pleasant hand decorated diyas. you can buy the pack of 12 here.

11. Simple diyas painted in solid colours.

12. Wax filled clay diyas. You can buy similar diyas on Amazon

13. Hand painted diya with kundan work. You can buy them from here.

14. Stone embellished diya

15. Green and red floral design hand painted decorated clay diya. You can buy them here.