Come October, come festivities. If there is one city that takes the art of celebrating festivals very seriously, Delhi will win the title hands down any given day. Or any given winter festival. Diwali is still celebrated by lighting diyas, candles and with the glorious display of fireworks. It goes without saying that sumptuous food is an essential part of the festivities and house parties hosted around themes and card games are quite common in the capital. While it is fun to be home with family on such occasions, one just cannot miss out on the melas and markets that are set up around the city for shopping and revelry. Take your pick and shop and eat your way to prepare for Diwali.
1. Sunder Nagar Diwali Mela
Hands down, the most popular Diwali hot-spot in Delhi is the Sunder Nagar Diwali Mela. Probably the oldest too, it has been around for over 50 years keeping the tradition of melas going strong. It offers all the essentials that a fun-filled fair should. From the Ferris Wheel to food stalls and loads of shopping options too. Imitation jewellery, handicrafts, diyas and candles, home décor accessories, clothing and a lot more awaits you at the Sunder Nagar Diwali Mela. Enjoy the festive air while you’re there and don’t forget to hit the food stalls. Seasoned birdies tell us that some of festive specials are definitely drool-worthy.
2. Select Citywalk Diwali Mela
Delhi’s favourite mall is not only a shopping and gastronomy hub, it also hosts one of the most sought after Diwali markets in the city. The Diwali Mela at the mall is one of the grandest flea market set ups that are seen in the mall’s courtyard. Some of the stalls are spread out on the first floor balcony too. The stalls display and sell everything from accessories, clothing, home décor items to diyas, lamps, candles and gift items. And that’s not all! The courtyard also plays host to musical events, dance shows and many entertainments shows in association with radio channels and different media partners. So you can shop for the festive season while being entertainment by some of the best talents around as a pre-Diwali treat.
3. Blind School Diwali Mela
Is it possible to shop for the festive season while contributing towards a cause? The answer is yes. The Blind School Relief Association at Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg is a gem in the crown of Diwali melas in Delhi. It is an age old association that displays the skills and creativity of blind students and the products are up for grabs. Each year the space houses stalls that offer handmade candles, diyas, beautifully painted pots and many unique home décor items for sale, all made by the visually impaired students. Also worth mentioning are the various kiosks that serve authentic preparations from different states of India, with mouth-watering delights that will make you wish you had a bigger appetite.
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