Pretty Lights, Decor & Stationery: 11 Stalls To Check Out At Blind School Diwali Mela 2017

The most awaited mela of the year – Blind School Diwali Mela kicks off today and it’s going to be six days of insane shopping. Carry your jholas and fill them with everything from dainty earrings to stationery to home decor and ethnic clothes. We took a few rounds of the mela and have rounded up our favourite stalls for you!

Set up right next to Gate no 1, MARM is Chanderi haven. Choose from Chanderi printed and hand-woven dupattas, warmer angori ones and a range of saris. Their designs are uber cute and chic – we loved the dupattas depicting elephants, birds, peacocks and even dragon flies. These start at INR 1,500.

You can get in touch with them later on raianoop@gmail.com or on +91 9811842434

This stall {H-35} is filled to the brim with hand-crafted wooden frames in different colours and designs. You can pick up a sleek glossy one or go for the more vintage-y distressed frame. They’ve also packed up little hampers in case you want to gift these. Small frames here start at INR 300.

You can get in touch with them at diwalibazaar16@gmail.com

Looking for a funky decor piece for that bare wall? Tusha Chawla’s stall is where you need to go. We love that this painter has gone beyond the usual florals and geometrics and gone ahead and painted our favourite alcohol bottles {glasses with ice et al}. Choose from Old Monk, Jack Daniel’s and Glenfiddich. They also have a range of trays and coasters splashed with interesting designs. For Diwali, you may want to pick up their tray with cards painted on it. Coasters here start at INR 500 for a set and painting start at INR 2,100.

PS: You can always contact Tusha later and bombard her with customising requests if you’re looking for something in particular. Write to mypaintbrushbytusha@gmail.com or call +91 9871456909

One of the Blind School Relief Association’s own stall, Paper Products is selling exactly what it promises. They have an insane range of wrapping papers all priced at a flat INR 40 per sheet. Choose from tiled ones to block prints to embellished ones – they’re all beautiful. You can always get your hands on a giant notebook for just INR 250. And there are lots of gift bags and gift envelopes too.

PS: This huge stall is right at the end on the right side after you enter, opposite the delivery counter.

This one’s tucked away in a corner next to the food area but is definitely worth a visit. They’ve got all kind of home accessories in bamboo and wood. We’re loving their colourful string lights {starting at INR 800} and their giant wooden pencil name plates for INR 500 {psst: You can write with them too!}

Bang in the middle of the mela, Palna occupies a teeny tiny stall but stands out with its fabric and metal neck pieces. They also have a pretty great variety of table mats, napkins, wine bottle holders and some very cute hot water bottle covers {priced at just INR 200}. PS: All proceeds go towards helping children.

Want to go totally crazy and colourful? Head to Armaan Events & Decoration stall right next to gate no.1. They’re selling giant multi-coloured lanterns which remind us a little bit of stained glass.

Have a green thumb? Head to Art Mart {near gate no 2} or Earthly Creations {near aisle D} for quirky animal-shaped planters. We love the crazy-eyed snail {INR 1,100}.

This is hands-down the most popular stall at the mela {at least on day 1}. If you’re ready to fight off a crowd of aunties, you can maybe end up with THE Diwali outfit 2017. There are lots of salwar suits, palazzos, beaded crop tops and skirts.

Nur from Meherchand Market is also part of the festivities. They’re offering pretty massive discounts here. When we visited they had a beautiful chair originally priced at INR 15k going for INR 7.5k. Their cushions and decor is also on a 50% off.

Occupying stall HS 16, this nameless stall has some great leather finds. Sling bags, metallic totes and handbags starting at INR 800. These guys have come all the way from Gujarat and are pretty difficult to access otherwise.

Once you’re done with all the shopping, take a break at the food area – the stalls are mostly serving street food like kachoris and momos and golgappas. There’s also a Dunkin’ Donuts if that’s more your jam. Unwind with a foot massage {priced at INR 100 for 15 mins} by the staff of the Blind School Relief Association and don’t forget to take your lil ones to a story telling of The Bandar’s Blunder by the Foster and Forge Association. This happens between 11am – 12.30pm and 4pm – 5.30pm.

When: Oct 10 – 16

Timings: 10am – 8pm

Where: Blind School Relief Association {near Oberoi Hotel}

Every second or third stall has the usual diyas, candles and Diwali decorations but we think the Blind School’s own stall has the best variety and prices (delivery counter). Rickshaw Recycle’s stall is great for eco-friendly alternative decorations made of recycled paper. Their streamers are adorable.