Diwali—the festival of lights—is when Indian homes come alive with joy, tradition, and beautiful decorations. We light diyas, string up fairy lights, and place fragrant soy wax candles in cozy corners to create that warm festive glow.
But amidst all the sparkle and celebration, there's something we often forget: candle safety.
At Mandy & Co., we’re huge fans of using eco-friendly soy candles for Diwali décor and gifting. But we’ve also seen firsthand how a single moment of neglect can lead to a serious scare.
🎭 A Personal Story: The Candle That Nearly Caught the Celebration on Fire
One Diwali, a dear friend of mine lit a gorgeous rose-scented candle on her dining table right before guests arrived. The room looked magical—twinkling lights, soft music, mithai platters, the works.
But in the excitement of celebration, she forgot to blow out the candle before heading to the kitchen. The candle burned low, and the flame slowly grew stronger. Within minutes, the heat from the flame curled the edge of a plastic photo frame hanging above—and poof, it caught fire.
Luckily, her husband spotted it just in time and managed to douse the flames with a wet towel. But the smell of burnt plastic frame, the panicked kids, and the black soot on the wall reminded all of us just how quickly things could’ve gone terribly wrong.
She was shaken. We all were. And ever since then, I’ve made it a point to talk about safe candle burning during Diwali.
🪔 Why Diwali Candle Safety Should Be a Priority
During Diwali, our homes are filled with decorations, fabrics, and flammable materials. When we add open flames—be it from diyas or candles—the risk of fire increases, especially if candles are left unattended or placed carelessly.
Most people assume fire accidents won’t happen to them… until they do.
So here’s how you can enjoy the glow safely and mindfully.
🔥 Top 10 Diwali Candle Safety Tips to Celebrate Without Worry
1. Choose Safer Candles—Like Soy Wax
Natural soy candles are cleaner, burn longer, and emit less smoke than paraffin candles. They’re better for your lungs and the planet—and ideal for gifting during Diwali.
2. Trim the Wick Before Lighting
A wick that’s too long can produce large flames and uneven burns. Trim to ¼ inch before each use to keep the flame steady and small.
3. Use Heat-Resistant, Stable Holders
Always place candles in sturdy holders or trays—especially if you're using decorative urli candles or tea lights. Avoid placing candles directly on wood, cloth, or plastic surfaces.
4. Keep Away from Flammable Decor
Don’t place candles near curtains, paper lanterns, rangoli borders, or wall hangings. These materials can catch fire in seconds.
5. Avoid Airy Spots
Ceiling fans and open windows can make flames flicker unpredictably, causing wax spillage or fire spread. Set up your candle corners in calm, sheltered spots.
6. Never Leave a Candle Unattended
This is the golden rule of Diwali fire safety. Extinguish all candles before leaving the room, going to bed, or welcoming guests.
7. Keep Candles Away from Children and Pets
Place candles on high shelves or in wall-mounted holders. Teach older kids about candle safety during Diwali and make it a family rule to never touch burning candles.
8. Don’t Burn a Candle All the Way Down
Blowing out a candle when it’s close to the base is risky. Leave ½ inch of wax at the bottom to prevent the glass from cracking or overheating.
9. Use Lids or Snuffers to Extinguish
Blowing too hard can cause wax splatter or sparks. Use a snuffer or lid to gently extinguish candles without disturbing the wax pool.
10. Have a Fire Extinguisher or Water Source Handy
Even with all precautions, accidents can happen. Keep a bucket of water, sand, or a small fire extinguisher easily accessible—especially if you’re lighting multiple diyas or candles at once. Knowing where your emergency exits and supplies are can make all the difference in a crisis.
🎁 Gifting Candles the Safe Way
Candles make for elegant and symbolic Diwali gifts. They represent light, hope, and warmth—perfect for festive gifting. But let’s gift with intention.
When you create personalized Diwali candle hampers, think about:
-
Packaging that protects the candle
-
A holder or plate to burn it safely
-
A personal note about safe candle burning practices
These small details show your love—not just through the gift, but through the care you’ve taken.
💡 Celebrate the Light, Respect the Flame
While we all love the beauty of diyas and festive candles, a little mindfulness can go a long way in keeping Diwali safe for everyone—especially kids, pets, and elders. Choose candles that are stable, clean-burning, and thoughtfully made.
If you're looking for candles that combine safety with elegance, explore our hand-poured Urli Soy Candle Collection (https://mandyandco.in/products/10-inches-soy-wax-urli-candle) designed with wide bases and toxin-free soy wax, perfect for worry-free festive décor.
Light up your home with love—and care. ✨
From all of us at Mandy & Co, wishing you a joyful, fragrant, and safe Diwali! 🪔