When we think of candles, we usually think of a simple stick-like structure or perhaps a few floating lights on a festive night. But this Diwali, candles are getting a delicious makeover! Local artisans and candle makers have creatively blended the traditional with the tantalising, crafting candles that resemble our favourite Indian sweets, from rasmalai to jalebi and motichoor laddoos. They aren't edible, of course, but they're certainly a treat for the eyes and nose.
Mouthwatering Candles: How Local Artisans Have Given A Meetha Twist To Traditional Diwali Lighting
Photo Credit: Pexels
Imagine your home is filled with the soft, creamy scent of kaju katli on a Diwali morning or the nostalgic aroma of motichoor laddoos, all without the calories. These charming ‘meetha' candles bring not only fragrance but a playful twist to traditional Diwali decor, adding a hint of whimsy and fun to the festival of lights.
Indian Delicacies Inspired Candles
One of Diwali's loveliest aspects is its sensory joy – the lights, the colours, the flavours, and, of course, the fragrances. Sweets, or ‘mithai', have always played an essential role in this festival. The idea of celebrating Diwali with modaks, kaju katli, and gujiya has remained timeless. We all could relate to it as for most of us it's the festive duty to wake up early on Diwali dodging the crowd and grabbing our hands on some mouthwatering sweets. So, why not bring these delightful treats into our decor as well?
Candles shaped like desi sweets combine nostalgia and novelty. Traditional artisans have captured the intricate details of traditional Indian desserts, from the creamy layers of a rasmalai to the rich, bright orange appearance of a motichoor laddoo. What makes them especially appealing is the sensory experience they offer. Not only do they look just like the real thing, but many also come infused with fragrances that mimic their sweet inspirations, filling the air with the aromas of saffron, cardamom, and rose.
A Growing Trend Among Local Candle Makers
Mouthwatering Candles: How Local Artisans Have Given A Meetha Twist To Traditional Diwali Lighting
Photo Credit: Pexels
Over the past few years, there has been a notable rise in local artisans and small businesses experimenting with candle making. While we've seen a lot of innovative candles on Instagram, like candles shaped as biryani, vadapav samosa and more, Amazon has given a whole new platform for sweet-inspired candles. Scented candles shaped as gulab jamuns or jalebis weren't exactly what one might expect for Diwali decor a decade ago, but now they're becoming the season's must-have items.
These candlemakers are part of a larger movement, where artisans draw inspiration from local culture and traditions. This trend is particularly popular among younger consumers looking to celebrate in style while also supporting local businesses. The candles are often handcrafted, and the makers pay great attention to detail to make sure each candle resembles the dessert it's inspired by – from the golden tint of motichoor to the powdered sugar on a gujiya. For many buyers, the joy is in supporting these homegrown businesses and bringing a unique touch to their celebrations.
Popular Sweet-Inspired Candles Available Online
Curious about what you might find on the shelves (or online) this Diwali? Here's a peek at some of the best-loved sweet-inspired candles that are adding an extra layer of excitement to Diwali shopping:
1. Rasmalai Candles
A delicacy from North India, the rasmalai candle often appears as a soft, pale yellow colour with flecks of ‘pistachio' and a ‘malai' layer drizzled on top. It usually has a subtle aroma, combining hints of rose, saffron, and cardamom, perfect for adding a luxurious feel to any room.
2. Motichoor Laddoo Candles
This one has quickly become a favourite, with its bright orange colour and realistic ‘boondi' texture. The fragrance? Think of warm, caramelised sugar mixed with a hint of rosewater. It's almost too tempting not to take a bite!
3. Kaju Katli Candles
These candles tend to be simple yet elegant, mirroring the flat, diamond shape of kaju katli. They are often topped with a layer that resembles the classic silver vark. The scent is nutty and slightly sweet, with the warm fragrance of roasted cashews. Ideal for a sophisticated yet traditional look.
4. Jalebi Candles
Made to mimic the looped, spirally appearance of this famous street sweet, jalebi candles are bright and cheerful, bringing a pop of colour and fragrance that's both fun and nostalgic. They often have a warm, sugary scent with notes of saffron.
5. Modak Candles
Shaped to look like the beloved sweet, modak candles celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi and Diwali alike. They capture the soft, dumpling shape and often have a scent infused with coconut and jaggery, making them a unique addition to any home.
6. Gujiya Candles
The detailing on these candles is impressive, with the crimped edges and golden-brown colour just like the real pastry. Their fragrance blends vanilla and cardamom with a hint of nutty filling, perfect for evoking a traditional Diwali vibe.
How Are These Made
Creating these candles is a painstaking process. Many artisans start with a base of soy wax, which allows for clean burning and is more environmentally friendly than paraffin. The wax is melted and poured into custom moulds that are shaped to look like each mithai. For colours, makers use natural, food-safe dyes, ensuring that each candle resembles the vibrant hues of Indian sweets. Scents are then added, often using essential oils or fragrance oils that capture the aroma of the dessert it's inspired by.
Each candle may take hours to make, with artisans carefully layering colours and scents to get the perfect effect. This attention to detail makes each candle feel like a mini piece of art, bringing a little extra charm and character to Diwali celebrations.
Decorating With Meetha Candles
Mouthwatering Candles: How Local Artisans Have Given A Meetha Twist To Traditional Diwali Lighting
Photo Credit: Pexels
One of the best parts of these sweet-inspired candles is how versatile they are. Here are a few ideas on how to incorporate them into your Diwali decor:
- Dining Table Centrepiece: Place a few sweet-inspired candles on a tray or small platter to create a unique centrepiece. Add some fresh marigold flowers or small lights around them for a cosy, festive look.
- Gift Hampers: Candles are a Diwali favourite for gifting, and these sweet-inspired designs are sure to bring a smile. Pack them up with some real mithai or add them to a gift basket with diyas, incense sticks, and other festive essentials.
- Pooja Room Decor: Use a few rasmalai or modak candles around your pooja space. They add a subtle scent and a unique visual charm that complements traditional diyas beautifully.
- Living Room Accent: Add a kaju katli or motichoor laddoo candle to your living room to fill the space with a festive aroma. Place it alongside other decor items, like diyas, rangoli, or fresh flowers.
Why People Are Loving This Trend
The appeal of these candles goes beyond their fragrance or appearance. They capture the spirit of Diwali by blending the old with the new, celebrating our cultural heritage with a fun, modern twist. For younger generations, they're a perfect way to pay homage to tradition while still adding a fresh, contemporary touch to their decor. Plus, they make fantastic talking points – guests are sure to be intrigued and delighted by these sweet little surprises.
Many people also feel a sense of pride in supporting local artisans, knowing that these candles are often hand-poured, crafted in small batches, and made with great care. They represent a shift towards mindful, conscious gifting, where each item is unique and supports homegrown businesses.
Where to Find These Candles
Mouthwatering Candles: How Local Artisans Have Given A Meetha Twist To Traditional Diwali Lighting
Photo Credit: Pexels
As this trend gains momentum, Amazon is offering these sweet-inspired candles during its Great Indian Festival Sale. Many local artisans have come together on Amazon to offer a variety of designs to choose from, each one handmade with love. Shopping from these creators not only helps small businesses but also ensures you're getting a high-quality, artisanal product that's one-of-a-kind.
This Diwali, why not light up your home with a little extra sweetness? These meetha-inspired candles are not just decorative items; they're a playful tribute to the traditional treats we love, brought to life in a way that's both fresh and heartwarming.
Disclaimer: The images used in this article are for illustration purpose only. They may not be an exact representation of the products, categories and brands listed in this article.