The Season to Diwali

Christmas cheer may well have started in December but in India, the cheeriness begins sometime in October with a string of Indian festivals across regions and faiths, peaking definitively in November, with Diwali the festival of lights.

1. Diwali lights and lanterns are often used also for Christmas. Full Circle stocks designer stained-glass painted Ganesha lanterns, while popular stores like Home Shop and Jabong feature canvas-Ganesha lamps.  String lights and Christmas decorations sport an Indian bling look to them, embellished as they are with sequins and beads such as those in Delhi’s posh Khan Market.

2. Indian sweetmeat makers have woken up to the appeal of beautifully packaged candies. Stores like Nathu’s Sweets have been for some time been doing a rectangular barfi that comes wrapped in golden-foil, much like chocolate gift boxes.

3. Dupattas, a large scarf which traditionally accompanies the Salwar Kameez, have been replaced in many stores, such as Nalli, by stoles that use the same traditional weaves. The bulky garment is much more accessible and wearable. Kantha stoles in vibrant purples, pinks and greens, are a great winter accessory that counter those dull blacks and greys.

Drink of Choice: Although masala tea has been made in peoples homes for decades, centuries even, a company called Organics India has been bringing out packaged versions with different spice blends using tulsi (holy basil), ginger and cardamom etc.