Set the mood this "festival of lights" with colour, scent and glow

Celebrated by millions of people in India and all over the world, Diwali is one of the most widely celebrated, annual holidays. The word itself is derived from the Sanskrit word "deepavali, " meaning "series of lighted lamps," hence, it commonly also referred to as the "festival of lights". For most Hindus, though not all, Diwali marks the return of deities, Rama and Sita to Ayodhya after 14 years of exile. To celebrate their return, villagers lit oil lamps that illuminated the path in the darkness. For others, the festival is linked to Lakshmi – goddess of wealth and prosperity – and her birth on the first day of the five day-long event.

There are many different beliefs and traditions, not limited to those mentioned above, but no matter what story is told around each individual dinner table, one common symbolism remains – it's an important occasion that marks the victory of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil.

It's for this reason, the candle plays such a huge part in the celebrations. From tea light candles to light a path to an event or gathering, or pillar candles standing tall in ornate candelabras, to floating pool lights and mosquito-banishing citronella pots on outdoor tables, make sure you're candle-ready this Diwali.

In the garden

Citronella is an essential oil that comes from certain varieties of grass, and it naturally repels a variety of pesky insects, including mosquitoes. When used in candles, citronella helps to keep bugs out of the immediate area, which saves you from ending the night covered in itchy bug bites. These Citronella Tea Lights are perfect for placing at the perimeter of your property, in a bid to create an invisible wall against biting bugs.

In the dining room

Long, short or stumpy pillar candles, in ornate or modern candelabras, double up as wonderful centrepieces and a clever lighting alternative. Set the mood for a lavish dinner party with deep red or keep things modern with fresh white linens, tall White Pillar Candles and greenery picked from the garden.

On the pool or lake

These clever Samar Floating Candles will instantly transform the swimming pool, plunge pool or even the jacuzzi into a glowing water feature with very little effort. Don't have a pool? You can improvise and fill buckets, vases or glass bowls with water and carefully place them around your event space for a similar look and feel.