Diwali, also known as Deepavali or Deepawali, is a five-day ‘Festival of Lights’ that is celebrated, with variations, in Hinduism, Jainism, and Sikhism! The festival represents the victory of light over darkness, the spiritual triumph of good over evil, and the pursuit of knowledge over ignorance.
To celebrate this occasion, many people send cards to their loved ones, spreading good wishes and joy over Diwali. Whether near or far, Diwali is a time for people to take a moment to connect with those dearest to them. A thoughtfully crafted Diwali card, whether it’s physical or digital, can bring that personal touch to the holiday. With that in mind, we’ve created a guide to help you design a Diwali card that shines as brightly as the festival itself!
Diwali Card Designs
When it comes to customizing your own Diwali cards, it’s important to capture the essence of the festival and create something vibrant and full of life! Adding in beautiful and symbolic elements can bring a rich and authentic feel to your cards. There are many different symbols and icons you can include in your card design, and we’ve curated an inspiring list of popular choices for you below!
Diyas
These tiny clay lamps represent light in the darkness, and are the heart and soul of Diwali décor. Bonus points if you add a touch of gold foil!
Fireworks
Symbolizing joy and celebration, these fireworks light up the sky during Diwali, and they can add a burst of festive fun to your cards, too. Just keep the real ones outdoors!
Marigolds
You can find marigolds decorating walls, doorways, madirs, garlands, you name it! Sprinkle some good fortune and positive vibes on your cards with these gorgeous bright orange and yellow flowers.
Mandalas
Bring a sense of balance and harmony to your designs with mandalas for beautiful spiritual designs this Diwali! Using a mandala-style illustration as a frame or corner-piece can really make the pattern pop.
Rangoli
Bright, bold, and bursting with color, rangoli designs are a sign of welcome in many homes celebrating Diwali – and can be used to make all your cards feel super inviting!
Diwali Card Phrases and Sayings
Now that we have some design inspiration covered, let’s have a look at phrases and sayings you can include within your cards to wish your friends and family a beautiful celebration this Diwali!
Incorporating traditional sayings into your cards can show how much you love and appreciate your recipients. To help you with this, we’ve gathered some popular sayings below – to offer a variety of options specifically for your loved ones!
“Shubh Diwali”
शुभ दीपावली
Happy Diwali
🗣️: Hindi (Devanagari), which is widely spoken across North and Central India, where Diwali is one of the major holidays!
“Deepavali Subhakankshalu”
దీపావళి శుభాకాంక్షలు
Best Wishes For Diwali
🗣️: Telugu, widely spoken in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Diwali is honored in Telugu-speaking communities with morning rituals like Thailam Snanam (an auspicious oil bath) and creating kolam designs outside homes.
“Saal Mubarak”
સાલ મુબારક
Happy New Year
🗣️: Gujarati, which is spoken in Gujarat. This common greeting is used during Diwali, as the New Year begins soon after.
Gujarati traditions for Diwali include performing Lakshmi Puja, a puja (worship) of the Goddess Lakshmi, to seek her blessings for wisdom and prosperity.
“Diwali Di Lakh Lakh Vadhaiyan”
ਦੀਵਾਲੀ ਦੀਆਂ ਲੱਖ ਲੱਖ ਵਧਾਈਆਂ
Many Many Wishes for Diwali
🗣️: Punjabi (Gurmukhi), which is used in Punjab, including Sikh communities, who celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas.
Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas are celebrated on the same day, together! Both festivals are celebrated with traditions like the lighting of diyas, enjoying family feasts, and exchanging sweets and gifts.
“Deepavali Vaazhthukkal”
தீபாவளி வாழ்த்துக்கள்
Diwali Greetings
🗣️: Tamil, which is used in Tamil Nadu and by Tamil-speaking communities.
Diwali is honored in these communities with a pre-dawn snana (oil bath) for self-purification and to balance your doshas.
Brighten your Diwali cards by combining the above sayings with Diwali-inspired phrases to create the ultimate festive combination for this celebration.
- Joy and Warmth: “May the magic of Diwali fill your home with warmth, joy, and unforgettable memories together.”
- Prosperity and Peace: “May the Festival of Lights brighten your days with prosperity and peace!”
- Humor and Well Wishes: “May your Diwali be as sweet as Gulab Jamun, and may the sounds of firecrackers fill your life with joy.”
- Hope and Happiness: “May your spirit be illuminated in the upcoming year, and days sparkling with contentment and happiness!”
- New Opportunities and Fruitful Paths: “May the light of the diyas guide you to a road of growth and new beginnings.”
Add a special touch by including photos of your family from past celebrations, with vibrant colors and a personal message. Mix tradition with your own flair to make your Diwali card truly unforgettable!
If you’d like to light up your home with more Diwali festivity, “Let The Light Shine: Celebrating Diwali” bursts with colorful ideas to honor this holiday. Let your creativity shine brighter than a thousand sparklers. Happy designing & Happy Diwali!
Lily is a Content Specialist at Zazzle from Galway, Ireland. Before she could even walk, she was begging her parents to read her fantastical stories filled with great adventures. To this day, just give her a cup of tea and a good book to cozy up with, and she will be happily lost for hours! If she doesn’t have her nose in a book, then she will probably whipping up something delicious in the kitchen for her friends and family, or, negotiating with her house plants to stay alive.
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