In Indian homes, Brass Urlis are more than just decorative bowls, they’re a celebration of tradition, elegance, and spiritual harmony. Often placed at the entrance or in living areas, these beautifully handcrafted metal bowls are filled with water, flowers, and floating candles, creating a serene and festive atmosphere.
Whether you’re preparing for Diwali, Navratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, or a housewarming ceremony (Griha Pravesh), decorating your urli is a beautiful way to welcome guests and positive energy into your home.
In this post, we’ll walk you through easy DIY Brass Urli decoration ideas to elevate your space during festivals and special occasions — using items you likely already have at home!
What Is a Brass Urli?
A brass urli is a traditional decorative bowl, originally used in South Indian kitchens for cooking and serving. Over time, its stunning appearance and metallic sheen made it a beloved décor element, especially when filled with water and flowers. It is now widely used in:
- Festival decorations
- Entrance décor
- Reception or living room centerpieces
- Vastu placements for positive energy
Brass is known to radiate warmth and invite auspiciousness, making it perfect for sacred and celebratory settings.
DIY Brass Urli Decoration Ideas
1. Floating Flowers & Tealights (Classic & Elegant)
Materials Needed:
- Water
- Fresh flowers (roses, marigolds, jasmine)
- Floating candles or tealights
How To:
- Fill your urli 3/4th with clean water.
- Gently place flower petals or whole flowers to float.
- Add tealights in between for a glowing effect.
- Ideal for: Diwali, Navratri, or evening pujas.
Pro Tip: Use rose water or a few drops of essential oil in water for added fragrance.
2. Urli with Citrus Slices + Herbs (Modern Touch)
Materials Needed:
- Lemon or orange slices
- Mint or tulsi leaves
- Floating candles
How To:
- Fill the urli with water.
- Add slices of citrus and mint leaves.
- Top it with floating candles.
Great for housewarming, this setup offers freshness, elegance, and a subtle spa-like aroma.
3. Layered Urli with Flower Rangoli Around
Materials Needed:
- Brass urli
- Colored rangoli powder or flower petals
- Diyas
How To:
- Place the urli at the center of your entrance.
- Create a rangoli design around it using colored powder or flower petals.
- Place diyas at intervals to light it up in the evening.
Perfect for Navratri or wedding entrances.
4. Brass Urli with Crystals, Beads & Fairy Lights
Materials Needed:
- Decorative glass beads or crystals
- Battery-operated fairy lights
- Artificial flowers (if needed)
How To:
- Fill the urli halfway with beads.
- Arrange the fairy lights inside and around the rim.
- Add flowers or decorative fillers.
- Ideal for modern interiors and night functions.
5. Urli with Turmeric Water and Betel Leaves (Auspicious Decor)
Materials Needed:
- Water + turmeric (haldi)
- Betel leaves
- Marigold flowers
How To:
- Mix turmeric in water to give a golden glow.
- Place betel leaves and marigold petals.
- Traditionally used during South Indian festivals and weddings.
Where to Place a Brass Urli in Your Home?
As per Vastu and décor experts, place the urli:
- Near the main entrance to attract positivity
- In the center of your living room as a conversation piece
- In the puja room or mandir for a divine ambiance
- In the veranda or garden area for open-air events
How to Maintain Your Brass Urli
- Clean with tamarind paste or lemon-salt mix to remove tarnish
- Wipe dry after every use to avoid water stains
- Avoid scrubbing with steel wool or harsh abrasives
- Apply a thin layer of coconut oil for shine and protection
Bonus Ideas
- Add mini statues of Lakshmi or Ganesha inside a large urli for Diwali décor
- Use colored water with natural dyes for themed decoration
- For weddings, float flower garlands shaped into initials or hearts
Final Thoughts
Decorating a brass urli is a creative and spiritual experience. With just a few flowers, candles, and imagination, you can turn any corner of your home into a divine, welcoming space. Plus, by choosing handcrafted brass urlis from eMetalCrafts, you’re supporting Indian artisans and keeping traditional metal crafts alive.