DIWALI DECOR MADE IN INDIA

It might require a mammoth effort to traverse the chocka-block lanes of Old Delhi’s Sadar Bazar, but consider it a haven for all the Diwali décor. Just a visit at any shop (new or old) can help you find that quirky light or pretty string that will add to your Diwali celebrations, at an unbelievably low price.

So, at a time when inflation and GST have been the talk of the town, know where to shop for Diwali decor in a budget of just `700.

Shopkeepers say Make in India is the flavour of the season this year with lotus dominating the design themes. “All the products in the market are made in India and you won’t find their cheap (in quality) Chinese counterparts. Also, we have a lot of products themed on the lotus flower; and customers have taken fancy to them. From colourful lotuses that hold tea light candles to glowing lotuses that create the best visuals at night, there’s a lot to choose from,” says Raghu Yadav from AK Traders.

The talks of Make in India take new shape in the latkans (hanging wall decorations). “All products in our shop are made by Indian artisans. Our new lot of latkans have artisanal mirror-work, and some handcrafted wooden and plastic variants, too. These priced between `70 to `420 have been sourced from Rajkot and Ahmedabad in Gujarat and Mumbai,” Satpal Singh, owner, GRD Enterprise.

Though the confusion on GST isn’t clear to every shopkeeper, yet they are happy that the ban on crackers has spurred the sales in the last few days. “Sale has always been unpredictable, but the last few days have been good. The market is buzzing with customers. People have developed a liking for cage-shaped tea holders, kettles and lotus-shaped candle holders, and now opening up to spend money on these,” says Ashok Marwah, owner, Global Electric Co.

Also available are DIY lanterns, Ganesha-themed candle holders, swan-shaped rotating LED lamps and carved coconut shells that can hold tea lights. So, what are you buying this Diwali?