Lucknow: Now you can change the colours of your Diwali lights with a tap on your smartphone, make them display personalised messages and even project colourful rangoli patterns at your doorstep. From mobile-controlled LED strings to laser projectors and smart chandeliers, Diwali markets in the city are embracing technology to give festive decorations a modern makeover.The trend is visible in offline markets and online shopping platforms, where decorative lighting is available in a variety of designs, colours and price ranges. While traditional earthen diyas, brass lamps and decorative lanterns continue to find buyers, younger customers are increasingly exploring smart lighting options.“From ceiling-mounted star projectors and waterfall-style LED curtains to rechargeable table lamps and decorative hanging lanterns, shops are stocking a wider range of lighting options this Diwali. Some products come with timers, allowing lights to switch off automatically, while USB-rechargeable diyas and battery-operated lamps offer alternatives to conventional electric decorations. Chandeliers with crystal finishes, lotus-shaped lamps and floating LED diyas are also attracting buyers,” said a shopkeeper at Naka market, Ishaan.Remote-controlled curtain lights, RGB strip lights, motion-sensor lamps and rechargeable LED diyas are also finding a place in festive shopping lists. Decorative chandeliers, crystal LED hanging lights, lotus-shaped lamps and floating LED diyas are adding to the variety.Aminabad shopkeeper Zeeshan said, “Bluetooth-controlled LED lights are selling for around Rs 1,250 for a five-metre string, while programmable message boards are available for Rs 750. Customers are willing to pay for these products because they can personalise their decorations with different colours and festive messages. We are seeing particular interest among younger buyers.”In Bhootnath market, seller Sufiyaan said prices of decorative lights have gone up this year, partly due to an increase in copper prices. Indian-made lights have also become costlier, while comparatively cheaper Chinese lights are witnessing higher demand. Customers are comparing prices before buying and many are opting for Chinese decorative lights to get more variety within their budgets.Buyers, too, are experimenting with the new options. Ashutosh Singh Rana said, “I am looking for decorations that can be customised rather than just ordinary colourful lights. Bluetooth-controlled strings, message boards and projector lights are particularly appealing because they allow us to give every corner of the house a different look. It also makes festive decoration more interactive.”Another buyer, Rajeshwari Misra, said that while earthen diyas and traditional lamps remain their first choice for the puja area, they are experimenting with Bluetooth-controlled lights to create rangoli patterns at their entrances. The projected designs also offer a practical alternative to traditional rangoli, which can get spoiled by birds on Diwali morning. Rechargeable diyas, LED curtains and decorative chandeliers are being used alongside traditional decorations to retain the festive feel while adding convenience, she said.Shikhar Sharma said, “Online platforms have more variety and sometimes offer decorative lights at lower prices than local shops. However, there is always uncertainty about the actual quality and durability of the product, so I prefer visiting markets, checking the lights myself and buying something that will last beyond one festive season.”
