Goddess Lakshmi Goes Upscale in Urban Malls

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LUCKNOW (Oct 16, 2006): With Diwali round the corner, Lakshmi -- the

Hindu Goddess of Wealth -- has graced city malls dressed in her

quintessential finery.

 

Far from yesteryears' staid terracotta images of the deity, Lakshmi

idols have gone a complete makeover in design, ornamentation and

packaging.

 

These exquisite terracotta figurines of Lakshmi now adorn the

shelves of traditional and novelty stores in city malls and upmarket

outlets.

 

A no-frills idol, which an ordinary vendor sells for as cheap as Rs

5 a piece, gets tagged for Rs 200 under the milky glow of a fancy

store after decorative additions and deft finishing.

 

Kanhaiya Lal Makhija of labella store in the posh Janpath market

here said of late the traditional terracotta idols of Lord Ganesh

and Lakshmi have been transformed into creative sculptures with

higher price tags.

 

He justified the trend saying people now have accepted and welcomed

changes even in matters concerning religion.

 

"Earlier, people followed the traditions to the hilt as far as

festivals were concerned. Now, they are ready for changes that fill

colour in drab and routine festival rituals. However, the spirit of

devotion remains the same," Makhija observed talking to a news

agency.

 

Even "bandanvaars" (festoons) and "diyas" (earthen lamps) with the

Diwali theme adorned with miniature idols are moving the shelves

thick and fast.

 

Kalakunj -- a traditional store in the main Hazratganj market -- is

also selling tastefully decorated idols of Lord Ganesh and Lakshmi

with intricate mirror and satin work.

 

"We have a wide range of idols to suit one's taste. Our pieces have

been priced economically for of Rs 150," the shop assistant

informed.

 

SOURCE: Zee News

URL: http://tinyurl.com/y2nqjp