Diwali Gift Box (Pandigai Petti) by Kirukal

Pandigai Petti — Sri Krishna Sweets

The Brief
Sri Krishna Sweets, one of South India’s most celebrated confectionery brands, wanted a Deepavali (Festival of Lights) gift box that carried more than sweets it needed to hold emotion, nostalgia, and culture.
While most festive packaging relied on glossy photos and decorative motifs, we saw an opportunity to design something people would cherish long after the celebration.

The Idea:
In Tamil culture, a Petti (meaning “box”) is more than storage — it’s a keeper of memories.
During Deepavali, families prepare homemade sweets and savouries, store them in such boxes, and share them with loved ones.
We turned that everyday tradition into storytelling — a 70mm story of Deepavali, wrapped around a tin.
A cinematic, panoramic illustration captured how a Tamil home truly celebrates — preparing murukku, lighting lamps, wearing new clothes, and receiving blessings.

The Process:
We mapped memories from a festive morning — the sound of sweets frying in ghee, kolam drawn at the doorstep, children playing with sparklers.
Inspired by Chettinad architecture and warm festive hues, we created a continuous panoramic scene that travels from the entrance to the backyard a visual journey through Deepavali.
The artwork was wrapped around a reusable tin, turning packaging into a collectible keepsake.

The Outcome:
The Pandigai Petti became more than a product — it became a memory of home.
It sold 22× more than projected, proving that when design preserves culture, it lasts far beyond the season.