A Conversation with Srishti: Illustrating the Spirit of Diwali

This Diwali we are excited to be working with the incredibly talented Srishti (@srillustrator), a maximalist illustrator and visual artist from India whose work is full of colour, culture and storytelling. Her art draws inspiration from the rich traditions of India while blending in her own bold and contemporary style.

We sat down with Srishti to talk about how her faith and heritage influence her creativity and to learn more about the rituals, traditions and memories that make Diwali so special for her.

Diwali, and the festive season leading up to it, is an endless well of inspiration. Across India, this time is filled with mythological tales that shape Hinduism - stories of courage, devotion, and the eternal triumph of light over darkness. Diwali itself is the festival of lights and prosperity, celebrating the victory of good over evil. These layered and beautiful myths feel like treasure troves for an artist - each one brimming with colour, symbolism, and meaning that find their way into my creative process.

I feel lucky to have discovered my artistic voice early in my journey. I’ve always been drawn to an explosion of colour, bold prints, and layered textures - all expressed in a very graphic, linear form. Since my design college days (what feels like a lifetime ago!), I’ve tried to stay true to that vision, while refining it with nuance over time. Today, my work feels like a confluence of traditional Indian forms and motifs, reimagined with a contemporary, pop-art sensibility.

For me, it’s all about the parties in the weeks leading up to the festival. You haven’t truly experienced warmth and hospitality until you’ve attended a Diwali gathering! Homes glow with rangolis, diyas, fresh flowers, and strings of lights. Tables overflow with homemade delicacies, and everyone turns up dressed like royalty, ready to dance the night away. There’s something truly magical about how families open their hearts and homes to make these celebrations unforgettable.

Yes - Dhanteras, the day before Diwali, is especially close to my heart. On this day, it’s believed that buying gold invites the blessings of Goddess Lakshmi, who will multiply your wealth in the year to come. Beyond the material symbolism, I love the idea of starting the season with a mindset of abundance and prosperity. It’s a ritual that beautifully balances spirituality with hope for the future.

Being from Bengal, our Diwali overlaps with Kali Pujo, and one of the most unique traditions we follow is Bhoot Chaturdashi, observed the day before. We prepare a dish made with 14 different leafy greens (shaak), eaten in remembrance of our 14 generations of ancestors. Alongside this, we light 14 candles, each one symbolizing a generation. It’s a simple but deeply grounding ritual that connects us to our roots - and trust me, the dish tastes far better than it sounds!

Without a doubt - kaju katli and laddoos. Kaju katli, with its delicate diamond shape and silver foil shimmer, is made from cashews, sugar, and ghee - it’s as festive as it gets. Laddoos, on the other hand, are little bursts of joy. Whether they’re made from gram flour, semolina, coconut, or boondi, each one is rich with ghee, sugar, and the warm fragrance of cardamom. To me, no Diwali is complete without these sweet staples

We are so excited to learn more about Srishti’s art and even more thrilled to have her beautiful illustrations featured on the sleeves for our Diwali cakes and other treats this year!