Diwali is the perfect time to light up your homes with pretty lamps and gift exotic chocolates
Wrapped in a mirage of warmth and escalated with a touch of artistry, gifting this festive season is all anybody seems to be talking about. While customised, quirky knickknacks are a part of the deal, the traditional boxes of dry fruits, sweets dressed in silver and gold foil and the almighty minted on coins of precious metal will never go out of style. We take a look at what Bengalureans are exchanging for prosperity this year.
For most of them, it’s about putting in a little thought and a lot of effort into the gifting tradition. “I’ve received several boxes of mithai, diyas, even lamps that look like chocolates and bottles of exotic liquor this time around. Giving the usual a break, I’m planning on baking over 200 cupcakes with a traditional twist – infused with dates, pista and Indian flavours perhaps,” says Kirti Goenka, a chartered accountant and a passionate baker. “Anything homemade is the best – and when you add a dash of effort and thought into making them, they are possibly the best gifts,” she says. Entreprenuer Komal Vaswani agrees. “I’m gifting different flavours of chocolates to all my dear friends. I’ve got these chocolates wrapped in unique and exclusive packaging.”
Gold and silver coins, diamond jewellery, watches and puja thalis are other winners of the festive season gifting. But customisation still takes the cake. Manjul Gupta, an entrepreneur likes to customise her Diwali gifts and goes out of her way every year. This year, she says, “Instead of giving the usual sweets, dry fruits and chocolates I wanted to give gifts that are of personal use, so I’m sending my good friends gifts like bed spreads personalised bath robes with their names, shower gels, scrubs, face packs, coasters, candle stands, themed trays and colourful kettles with tea bags.
I’ve put in a lot of effort to shop and pack them aesthetically. Some of my close friends have gifted me candle stands, crockery, dry fruits and brownies.” So, what are you gifting your loved ones this Diwali?
—With inputs by Sneha K Sukumar and Namita Gupta
More than the fireworks and decadent sweets, it’s the diyas that fully capture the essence of Diwali. And this year, revellers are lighting up their homes with unusual variations and getting creative with the quintessential Diwali lights. From decorative clay lamps bedazzled with sequins and beads to elegant crystal pieces with golden accents, there’s something for every taste and wallet. The eco-conscious trend is strong this year with upcycled compact discs, glass bottles and tin cans doubling up as the most charming diyas. “We took some old soda cans, painted them over with shimmery paint, made a hole on one side and hung them off a wooden hangers. These hangers are placed in windows around the house,” shares Mahima Tamang Shrestha, a communications manager in the city. Sticklers for tradition however, are going with the most beautifully crafted brass lamps depicting various motifs from Hindu mythology, like the lotus, swan and more. While the humble clay lamp will never go out of use, one can put a new spin on it by wrapping the base with flowers to make things more interesting. Priced anywhere from a Rs 50 to Rs 5,000, you’re sure to find something that suits your budget.
— Inputs by Rashmi Rajagopal Lobo
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( Source : deccan chronicle )
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