Wikipedia defines the toran, also called a bandanwal, as an auspicious decorative hanging used in religious, social and festive celebrations, traditionally tied across the main entrance door and considered a symbol of good fortune. For Diwali, when guests, neighbours and Lakshmi herself are welcomed through the front door, the toran is the single most important decoration to get right.
This guide gives you Diwali door decoration and toran ideas: fresh marigold and mango leaf torans, handmade fabric and beaded designs, shubh labh hangings, glass-door ideas, rangoli and diya setups for the threshold, a step-by-step method, hanging and safety tips and a way to store your toran for next year. Diwali falls on Sunday, November 8, 2026, according to Dekho Panchang.
Diwali Door Decoration: Why the Toran Matters
Wikipedia describes the toran as a decorative hanging or archway, traditionally tied across the main entrance of a home or pandal, and also called a bandanwal. It lists mango leaves and flower garlands as traditional materials, and marigolds, often with mango leaves, as common choices. It also notes that fabrics or metals made to resemble mango leaves, and modern woven or plastic versions, are widely used.
That variety means you can choose a toran that matches your budget, your time and your door.
Fresh Toran Ideas: Marigold and Mango Leaf
Fresh torans smell wonderful and look traditional. They also wilt quickly, so make them close to the day and keep them out of strong sun.
| # | Toran idea | How to make it | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Classic mango leaf toran | Thread fresh mango leaves on a string | Easy |
| 2 | Marigold garland toran | String marigold flowers into a long garland | Easy |
| 3 | Mango and marigold toran | Alternate leaves and flowers | Easy |
| 4 | Petal fringe toran | Hang short strings of petals from a main cord | Medium |
| 5 | Rose and jasmine toran | Alternate pink and white flowers | Medium |
| 6 | Banana leaf frame | Tie banana leaves on both sides of the door | Medium |
| 7 | Peepal leaf toran | Use peepal leaves where they are customary | Easy |
| 8 | Tri-colour flower toran | Orange, yellow and red flowers in blocks | Medium |
Handmade and Reusable Toran Ideas
If you want a toran that lasts, use fabric, beads, paper or felt. These can be stored and reused each Diwali, and they can be as simple or as ornate as you like.
| # | Toran idea | Materials | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | Fabric mango leaf toran | Green fabric, thread, stuffing | Medium |
| 10 | Beaded toran | Beads, wire, thread | Medium |
| 11 | Felt flower toran | Felt, glue, string | Easy |
| 12 | Paper flower toran | Coloured paper, string | Easy |
| 13 | Mirror-work toran | Mirror pieces, fabric, thread | Hard |
| 14 | Pom-pom toran | Wool, cardboard | Easy |
| 15 | Bell toran | Small bells, ribbon | Easy |
| 16 | Crochet toran | Wool, hook | Hard |
Shubh Labh and Bandanwar Door Hangings
Many homes hang a shubh labh or auspicious symbol on or beside the door during Diwali. You can buy ready-made pieces or make your own from card, felt and fabric. Keep the lettering clear and the colours bold so it reads from a distance.
| # | Hanging idea | How to make it | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Felt shubh labh | Cut letters from felt, glue on cardstock | Medium |
| 18 | Painted wooden plaque | Paint wood and add symbols | Medium |
| 19 | Swastik and om symbols | Cut or paint auspicious symbols | Easy |
| 20 | Footprint hanging | Cut Lakshmi footprint shapes | Easy |
| 21 | Diya cut-out hanging | Cut diya shapes from card | Easy |
Door and Threshold Setup: Rangoli, Diyas and Flowers
A complete entrance has three parts: a toran at the top, a rangoli on the floor and diyas at the sides. Wikipedia notes that rangoli is commonly placed at the entrance of the home, and that it is meant to welcome Lakshmi. Pair them for a coordinated look.
| Layer | Idea | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Top | Toran across the frame | Match its colours with the rangoli |
| Sides | Marigold garlands down the frame | Use lightweight garlands |
| Floor | Rangoli at the threshold | Keep a clear walkway |
| Corners | Two diyas or lanterns | Place on heat-resistant bases |
Glass Doors, Wooden Doors and Gates
Different doors need different methods. On wooden doors use small hooks or removable tape. On glass doors, use suction hooks or washable window markers for designs. On gates, tie the toran to the top bar with ribbon or wire and secure it so it does not blow loose.
| Door type | Hanging method | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Wood | Small nails or hooks | Check with building rules |
| Metal | Magnetic hooks | Easy and non-damaging |
| Glass | Suction hooks, window markers | Clean the glass first |
| Gate | Ribbon or wire ties | Secure against wind |
| Rented flat | Removable adhesive hooks | Test on a small patch |
Step by Step: Make a Marigold and Mango Leaf Toran
This classic design takes about 30 minutes.
| Step | What to do |
|---|---|
| 1 | Measure the door width and cut a strong thread 10 to 15 cm longer |
| 2 | Wash and dry about 15 mango leaves; pinch off marigold heads |
| 3 | Thread a needle and pass it through the base of each flower |
| 4 | Add a mango leaf folded in half between flowers |
| 5 | Repeat until the string is full |
| 6 | Tie the ends to hooks on both sides of the frame |
Spray lightly with water to keep it fresh, and avoid hanging it in direct sun for long.
Safety and Care
South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue advises placing diyas, tea lights and candles on heat-resistant surfaces and well away from curtains and decorations, and supervising children and pets at all times near flames. Dry flowers, paper and fabric burn easily, so use LED lights near the toran and keep real flames on the floor at a safe distance.
NAPIT advises checking lights for damage before use and turning lights off before leaving home or going to sleep. Apply the same rule to any lights woven into your toran.
Storing Your Toran for Next Year
Fresh torans can be composted after Diwali. Fabric, beaded and felt versions can be wrapped in tissue paper and stored flat. Label the box so you can find it next year, and add a silica sachet if your home is damp.
