By Editors
It’s that time of year when fairy lights make even roadworks look pretty. They’re one of those things that makes Diwali, Diwali. {Along with a good excuse for new wardrobe additions, too many parties, and parting with half our groceries budget on the teen patti table, only to resolve to win it back at the next session.} While you could technically do any of these at any time during the year {you, sinner, you!}, the one Diwali phenomenon we see only at this time is the springing up of Diwali melas. From large scale affairs that have a long list of shops/designers signing up, artisans from around the country teasing cash from your hands, to the kids in your building painstakingly making what are arguably the best season’s greetings — here’s where to catch some Diwali mela action.
Epicentre, Gurgaon | Pulls in stalls from around the country — expect stalls from Kashmir to Madhya Pradesh, selling pashminas to jamavars. Independent produce growers also bring honey, masalas, pickles, and chatpata foods of all sorts to the table.
Where: Epicentre, Apparel House, Sector 44, Gurgaon
Dates: 18th-20th October
The High Street at Suncity, Gurgaon | More of a local affair, where you’ll find the independent names that you’ll be glad you discovered as you visit them for the rest of the year. Also a great chance to catch some home enterprises, with their business caps on.
Where: Suncity Community Centre, Golf Course Road, Sector 54, Gurgaon
Dates: 18th-20th October
Regency Park II, Gurgaon | This is great if you’d rather keep it old school and just visit the building melas, which lack none of the excitement, shopping variety or golgappa waalas!
Where: Regency Park II, DLF Phase 4, Gurgaon
Dates: 18th October
Other building melas to keep an eye out for |
La Lagune {Golf Course Road} and Wellington {Phase 5} on 17th October
The Palms, South City – 18th October
Sunder Nagar Diwali Mela | Ferris wheels {minus the men pushing it}, the best food stalls, school fete reminiscent games {lucky dip anyone?}, and the best part of Diwali, the Appu Columbus. Going strong for 52 years, this one is a Diwali staple.
Where: Sunder Nagar Park
Dates: 18th & 19th October
Blind School Diwali Mela | The ultimate Delhi Diwali gathering, sans any joyrides. Get on this bandwagon for handmade candles, cards, diyas and the best collection of firecrackers {if you're going down that route}.
Where: Blind School Relief Association, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg
Dates: Until 20th October
Dastkar Festival of Lights 2014 | Dastkar, in association with Delhi Tourism, presents Festival of Lights, showcasing a collection of textiles, crafts and natural products. Shop for hand carved lanterns, tea lights, paper lanterns, hand made organic and perfumed candles, along with regional hand-loom weaves, pints and embroideries {tussar, gadhwal, chanderis and maheshwaris}, all local art and craft from states around India.
Where: Nature Bazaar Venue, Andheria Modh
Dates: Until 19th October, until 7pm
DLF Promenade Festival of Lights | DLF Promenade knows your mall habits, and instead of giving you more places to shop, they're just making your shopping worth it. They have some fabulous giveaways as part of their Diwali festival, including a 4 day package at Oberoi Udaivilas, and home and decor freebies, all dependent on how much money you're spending at the mall.
Where: DLF Promenade, Vasant Kunj
Dates: Until 31st October
Diwali Flea Market at Select Citywalk | If you're a mall rat, you know their flea market all too well. In true festive spirit, they've made it a regular feature, so you can knock yourself out stocking up on bangles, accessories, jewellery, hand made products, candles and diyas, and all the knick-knacks you don't have any real use for. They're just so pretty.
Where: Courtyard at Select Citywalk
Dates: Until 19th October
Akshay Pratishthan | Head over for their collection of art, crafts, gifting options, Indian clothes, jewelry and other festive necessities. Although sans any recreational activities, the number of food and retail stores will more than make up.
Where: The Grand, Vasant Kunj
Dates: 15th October
