Why We Hang Torans on Diwali: The Green Gateway to Prosperity

As homes across India glow with diyas and laughter during Diwali, one detail often goes unnoticed—the toran swaying above the main door. Made from mango leaves, marigolds, or Ashok tree leaves, these green garlands are more than just decoration; they are symbols of purity, prosperity, and positive energy. In Indian tradition, every item used during Diwali carries a story. The toran, especially, is believed to invite Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and fortune, into our homes. It tells her, “This home is ready for your blessings.” The fragrance of fresh leaves and flowers, the visual beauty of symmetry, and the sound of gentle rustling in the wind all come together to create an atmosphere that is both spiritual and festive. But what exactly makes this simple doorway adornment so powerful and meaningful? Let’s uncover the deeper significance behind this ancient tradition.

The word toran originates from the Sanskrit term ‘toraṇa’, which means gateway or entrance. In ancient times, torans were used to mark the beginning of something auspicious—be it a festival, a wedding, or a religious ceremony. They symbolized joy, purity, and readiness to receive divine blessings. Placing a toran on Diwali night is believed to signal to Goddess Lakshmi that the home is cleansed, decorated, and open to prosperity. It’s not merely a visual welcome but a spiritual one too, meant to invite divine energy and good fortune inside.

Traditionally, torans are crafted using fresh mango leaves, known for their ability to absorb toxins and purify the air. However, another sacred leaf often used is the Ashok tree leaf, which holds immense spiritual significance in Hinduism. The Ashok tree is said to symbolize peace, love, and the absence of sorrow (“a-shoka” literally means “without grief”). Hanging torans made from Ashok leaves during Diwali is believed to bring emotional stability, happiness and harmony into the household.

According to Ayurveda, both mango and Ashok leaves emit subtle energies that repel negative vibrations and purify the surrounding environment. When combined with marigold flowers, the bloom of positivity and sunshine. The toran becomes a natural shield of wellness, beauty and protection.

One of the most beautiful beliefs around Diwali night is that Goddess Lakshmi visits homes that are clean, well-lit, and decorated with devotion. The toran hanging at the main entrance acts as her first point of welcome. The green leaves signify fertility and life, while the orange and yellow marigolds symbolize brightness and positivity. Together, they create an aura of abundance and joy. It is said that just as a guest feels warmly received when they enter through a beautifully adorned doorway, so does the goddess feel welcomed when she sees a toran hanging with love and reverence.

The toran is not just about looks. In the ancient science of Vastu Shastra, the main door is considered the mouth of the house’s energy field. Whatever energy, positive or negative enters the home passes through this space. Hanging a toran helps balance this energy. The green leaves absorb negativity, while the flowers radiate joy and fragrance. Even the act of making and hanging the toran is therapeutic. It brings families together, engages the senses and fills the atmosphere with anticipation for the festival of light.

Different regions in India have their own styles of torans. In Maharashtra and Gujarat, torans made of mango and Ashok leaves are common, while in South India, they are often adorned with coconut leaves and betel leaves. Some households add lemons and chilies to their torans, a combination believed to ward off the evil eye. Modern variations include artificial torans made of beads, mirrors, and even LED lights, but the charm of a fresh, handmade toran remains unmatched. The fragrance of real marigolds and the cool touch of green leaves evoke nostalgia, tradition, and authenticity that no synthetic version can replicate.

Interestingly, the custom of hanging torans also has a scientific side. During Diwali, the seasonal change from monsoon to winter brings with it many airborne microbes. The antibacterial properties of mango and Ashok leaves help purify the air and maintain freshness around the entrance. Moreover, marigolds are natural insect repellents. So, what appears to be a purely religious or decorative act also doubles as an ancient form of environmental hygiene. Our ancestors were wise enough to weave health and spirituality together seamlessly.

In many households, making the toran is a family ritual. Children help string the flowers while elders prepare the leaves. It becomes a moment of togetherness, where devotion meets creativity. The process itself is meditative; choosing the best leaves, threading them with care, and hanging the garland with gratitude. It’s less about perfection and more about emotion. The belief is that the purity of intention behind the toran is what truly attracts divine blessings.

Today, as many people live in apartments and busy cities, some traditions risk fading away. But even in modern homes, hanging a toran at the entrance is a small but powerful way to keep the spirit of Diwali alive. Whether it’s made of fresh leaves or crafted by hand from sustainable materials, it reminds us of the essence of the festival to invite light, goodness and prosperity into our lives.

In a world dominated by technology and convenience, the toran stands as a symbol of our rootedness, our connection to nature, and our reverence for ancient wisdom. It tells us that welcoming prosperity begins with creating a pure and positive space.


The toran is more than just festive decor, it is a living symbol of tradition, balance and hope. Whether made from mango leaves, Ashok leaves or marigolds, it carries the fragrance of devotion and the spirit of wellness. Hanging a toran on Diwali is a gentle reminder that prosperity isn’t only about wealth; it’s about harmony, health and happiness entering our homes. As we light diyas this Diwali, let’s also hang our torans with gratitude, knowing that in that simple act lies centuries of faith, science and love for life itself.

Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Spiritual, Travel, Life Hacks, Trending, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!