In Indian tradition, Maa Lakshmi enters homes that are clean, bright and welcoming on Diwali night. That is why the main door gets special attention – a toran above, Shubh Labh on both sides, rangoli at the threshold and diyas all around.
This step-by-step guide shows you how to decorate your main door for Diwali, whether you live in an apartment or an independent house.
Step-by-Step Main Door Decoration for Diwali
- Clean and declutter – wipe the door, remove old stickers and keep shoes away from the entrance.
- Hang a toran across the top of the door frame.
- Add Shubh Labh – Shubh on the left, Labh on the right.
- Frame the sides with long hangings or a pair of latkans.
- Lay a rangoli or umbartha patti at the threshold.
- Light diyas on both sides and add warm fairy lights.
1. Choose the Right Toran (Bandarwal)
A toran, also called a bandarwal, is hung across the top of the door to welcome prosperity and keep negativity away. Traditionally it was made of fresh mango leaves and marigolds; today, reusable torans in velvet, gota work and pearls last for years and look rich every festival. Read more about this tradition in our post on the bandhanwar door hanging.
40-inch velvet cushion toran with gota and kundan work and matching 15-inch Shubh Labh hangings.
₹1,299 Shop now →
2. Add Shubh Labh on Both Sides
Shubh Labh represents the two sons of Lord Ganesha and the blessings of auspiciousness and prosperity. Hanging Shubh on the left and Labh on the right is a simple, meaningful way to bless your home – and it is especially popular for shops and offices on Diwali.
Cow and calf (Kamdhenu) Shubh Labh pair with pearl strings and tassels – ₹499 per pair.
₹499 Shop now →
3. Frame the Door With Hangings
Long hangings on both sides of the door make even a simple apartment entrance look grand. Pick hangings that echo the colours of your toran – reds, oranges and golds look most festive.
Traditional Gotta Pom-Pom Hanging
A pair of 24-inch gotta pom-pom hangings with bells – one for each side of the door.
₹1,270 Shop now →
Pack of 6 yellow marigold hangings with parrot motifs – 3 feet each.
₹1,990 Shop now →
Traditional Gotta Ball Hanging
Pack of 10 Rajasthani gotta ball hangings with cone tassels – 18 inches.
₹1,650 Shop now →
Diya Pom Pom Pearl Hanging for Diwali
Pack of 5 diya pom-pom pearl hangings with ghungroo bells.
₹1,399 Shop now →
4. Add a Rangoli at the Threshold
A rangoli at the doorstep completes the welcome. For apartments and busy entrances, a reusable woollen rangoli is the most practical option – it stays perfect for all five days of Diwali. See our full guide to ready-made rangoli.
7-piece woollen rangoli set with Umbhartha Patti for the threshold and Samai Aasan for lamps.
₹2,250 Shop now →
Peacock rangoli mats – lovely on both sides of the entrance or along the corridor.
₹1,760 Shop now →
5. Light It Up
- Place two large diyas or samai lamps on either side of the door.
- Run warm white fairy lights along the door frame behind the toran.
- Use LED tealights in cage hangings for a safe, long-lasting glow.
Golden cage hangings with peonies – add LED tealights for a magical entrance.
₹1,999 Shop now →
Main Door Decoration Ideas for Apartments
- Keep décor flat against the door and walls so the shared corridor stays clear.
- Choose a toran plus a pair of hangings instead of bulky floor décor.
- Use washable rangoli mats instead of powder in shared lobbies.
- Stick lightweight MDF cutouts on the wall beside the door.
Decorate the Home Temple Too
Carry the same festive look inside to your mandir for Lakshmi Puja.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side should Shubh and Labh be placed?
Facing the door from outside, Shubh is placed on the left and Labh on the right.
When should I put up the toran for Diwali?
Most families put up the toran on Dhanteras after cleaning the house, and keep it up through Bhai Dooj. Many keep a reusable toran up all year.
Can I use artificial torans and hangings?
Yes. Reusable torans and hangings look fresh every day of the festival, don’t wilt like fresh flowers, and can be used again every year.
For more inspiration, see our 21 Diwali decoration ideas for home.
