The end of year is marked by Christmas celebrations and the city turns red and green with the Christmas spirit. The city bazaars are overflowing with Christmas goodies and decorations for the shoppers to satisfy their urge to splurge and fill their bags with Christmas gifts and goodies. You can buy Christmas gifts imported from China from INA market and Janpath, while Khan Market is flooded with decorations from Australia and Europe. Drop in and get ready to buy a ceramic or a zardozi Santa for your home.
Ceramic Santas are appearing for the first time in Indian markets. There are various types of pinecones in form of candlesticks and wreaths. Sprinkled silver and gold pines seem to be the new additions in the market here.
If you are fond of Indian touch, you may take home zardozi stars and mirror-work bells. Says Sanjay of ‘C Lal Sons’ shop in Jor Bagh, "The decorations we make in our unit are traditional - mostly in Zardozi - from which we make stars, bells and even sticks. Foreigners love these as they are different and make for a perfect 'Indian' Christmas. And this time we have also introduced the mirror work balls to add an Indian feel to the occasion. Also we have got bon-bon Christmas crackers that burst with special festive message, flying high in the end." While in India, or rather Delhi, do as the Indians do.
China is ruling the roost in INA market. Says Ravi Khurana of Sachdeva Christmas Decorations, "These decorations, which are fairly good, are available at cheap prices. Since it's for a one-time use only, it works with most buyers." These one-day Christmas wonders ensure good business. According to Aria, “We are expecting much more profits in comparison to the 25-30 per cent growth we had last year."
But everybody is not dealing with Christmas gifts for money alone. Anjali Wadhawan, event manager of the German Christmas market says, "We don't arrange this market for money but to get people together and celebrate the festival. And for that we have German magician and live bands performing." According to her,” Christmas market in German House will have everything from Christmas cakes and Glueh - a bubbling hot German wine - to Christmas gifts and trees. The theme of the market will be purple and gold. Purple is associated with good wishes.”