Delhiites are on a shopping spree, thanks to melas and exhibitions being organised across the Capital as part of the festive season.
Synonymous with Diwali festivities is the Blind School Diwali Mela, organised by the Blind School Relief Association. Not only does it offer shoppers the chance to choose from a wide range of articles, it also gives an opportunity to people who do not own retail outlets to showcase their innovative products. In fact, some sellers prepare round the year for such this festival.
Love for arts
Nidhi Jain, who teaches children painting, said she channelises her love for art into making decorations and other Diwali decor items. She said her products have helped bring her recognition and capitalise on her love for arts.
“I love making Diwali decorations. If I don’t make anything, I feel like I am wasting my time. I put up stalls each Diwali and most of my products get sold. The mela has just begun but the sales have been so good that I have had to make extra decorations,” Ms. Jain said.
The proprietor of Armaan Event Fireworks and Candles, which makes many products around-the-year, said they have been making cellophane lanterns only for the Blind School Diwali Mela since the past 35 years.
“We sell other decorations and things through online portals but sell cellophane lanterns exclusively at the mela. A lot of people come here just to buy these,” said Shah Alam, who has been carrying on the tradition his family started.
The Blind School Relief Association has also put ups stalls to raise money.
At one place in the mela, students being trained as masseurs, give massage to people attending the exhibition. At another corner, a stall by visually impaired students sells items made of papier mâché. A unique feature of the stall is that it allows shoppers to paint the items with the students.
Also on sale are a wide variety of paper products made by the children.
