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Divine and decorative
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The `festival of lamps' at Poompuhar offers a wide range to light up your homes
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IT IS that time of the year when rows of oil lamps lend a muted beauty to every household and announce the arrival of Kaarthigai Deepam — celebrated throughout Tamil Nadu during the month of Karthigai (November-December).
Most households stick to tradition and light clay agals in their verandahs and balconies. Inside the house, some use metal lamps and brass lamps.
The lamps, believed to symbolise prosperity and joy, are indispensable to Kaarthigai Deepam.
The ongoing Lamps exhibition at Poompuhar, the sales showroom of the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation (TNHDC), will help you choose the right set of lamps to decorate your homes.
And, there's something for everybody as the prices start at Rs. 25. Showcased in the expo are lamps in various shapes and sizes, and a variety of materials like brass, panchaloha and terracotta.
"Terracotta lamps come with a wax filling. In brass lamps, there is more demand for parrot lamps, paavai lamps, Ashtalakshmi lamps and Ganesha lamps," says P. Mohamed Ali, manager.
The Meenakshi lamp with parrots in every step comes for Rs.13, 000. The effulgence of 24-carat gold-coated brass lamps captures one's attention. Also on display are a sangu lamp with a Ganesha inside, Ganesha with five lamps and an Annam lamp. One can also choose from a range of hanging lamps, and an antique-finish parrot lamp.
Bored of the mess that wicks and oil create? The electric lamp is for you. "People prefer electric lamps because they mean less work. We have brass lamps that come in five steps, three steps and four steps, each row lined with tiny bulbs," says Kumaresan, a salesperson. Step and branch lamps, ideal for decoration, and Kerala type kuthuvilakkus are also available.
Traditional Agal lamps are available in stunning designs. The eye-catching terracotta designer lamps come in vibrant colours, decorated with zari and mirrors. A discount of 10 per cent is offered on every purchase.
K. JESHI
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