Who doesn’t need diyas on Diwali right? Whether it’s for pooja or praja, diyas are a must. They light up our window panes and balconies, so no one has trouble locating our homes. We place them on our staircase so guests get in the zone before they even enter. We place them in every corner so that Lakshmi ji blesses every inch of our lives. Rangolis are made around them with yellow flames glowing in a pattern. We do it every year and miss it as soon as it’s gone but you know what stays? Pottery markets. Delhi’s got the best pottery markets to light up your life, not just Diwali. Diyas are turning into a dying art and if we don’t want to lose the beauty they bring every Diwali, we need to ditch large sellers for small time vendors all over the city. Here’s everything you need to know for the best diya decor this Diwali.
1. Hauz Rani
This is the place for the real pottery enthusiasts. It’s a whole market entirely dedicated to all things pottery. 20-30 vendors sit in rows of skillfully laid designs shine pretty with ceiling hangings and floor displays. It’s a hidden gem in plain view right before Select Citywalk mall. The prices are cheaper than other markets and vendors could really use your support! This is a great place to get new designer cutlery for Diwali dinners.
Where: Opposite Max Hospital, Malviya Nagar
2. Potter’s Village
This is pottery paradise all year round. Take your camera, look into homes, and watch the welcoming community of potters in action. Sadly, production has lowered to half in recent years because of fairy lights and wax candles. Go green and support a family this Diwali by switching from lights to diyas that never die. You’ll get them here for 20% of the regular 2 re price because you’d be cutting out all the middlemen.
Where: Rani Bagh, Kumahar Wali Gali, Parjapat Colony, Bindapur
Also read: Unleash Your Excitement For Festivities At These Gorgeous Diwali Melas In Delhi!
3. Kinari Bazaar
Crackers are banned so expect even more shopping crazy Dilliwale hogging up Kinari Bazaar. Who can blame them? The mud and clay pot and diyas here are unlike anywhere else in the city. You can easily shop in bulk, get home stuff, gift stuff and indulgent stuff, just a lot of stuff.
Where: Katra Shah N Shah, Chandni Chowk
4. Lajpat Nagar
Lajpat just got more lit as outstation craftsmen avail space here. Pavements, roads, walls, everything is decked in Diwali. Once natural light bids adieu, diyas and candles light up the whole market. You will be able to spot them from afar so no trouble locating for sure.
Where: Central Market, Lajpat Nagar 2
5. Sarojini Nagar
Sarojini market takes a 180 turn and instead of clothes and shoes, you’ll find Diwali merch all around. No one knows the people more than them, right? Babu market, bus stand and the outer lanes are all about clay pots and diyas. They’re just as good as the Sarojini clothes, if not better. There’s lanes and lanes to choose from and haggle at.
Where: Block H, Sarojini Nagar
6. Dilli Haat
Lights and lamps hang on strings in the sky paving your way to Diwali diyas. This is a great place to procure statues of Ganesha, Lakshmi and Saraswati as auspicious gifts. Local sellers from all over the country set up shop here during the festive season. Their product is usually stronger because the materials used are pure and lasting.
Where: Kidwai Nagar West, Near INA
Also read: Last Month, Around 15 Lakh Delhiites Paid ₹0 For Their Electricity Bills!
7. Blind School Diwali Mela
The legendary carnival carries the most famous Diwali diyas for Delhi. Visually-challenged and differently abled children prepare clay diyas and candles at Blind School. They are grossly talented and put together a large variety. From basic ones in all sizes for puja to painted ones in refreshing shapes – they have it all. They do painted ones in refreshing shapes too. Their best ones are bamboo mashaals you will see many people leaving with.
Where: Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg
8. RK Puram
Everyday market in Sector 8 transforms into your Diwali fantasy. There are diyas here for the lowkey Diwali enthusiasts. Low effort, low prices, and great stuff. They have mud lamps every year that light up many houses in the area.
Where: Sector 8, Rama Krishna Puram
Also read: Explore These 5 Offbeat Places Near Delhi To Escape Diwali Pollution
Go green this Diwali! Ditch ferry lights and wax fumes, Delhi has enough toxic air already. Opt for Diwali diyas from these local vendors and feed a family. The prices will surprise you and the beauty will leave you mesmerized. It seems like Ram’s followers had it right the first time, electricity is overrated. Nothing shines brighter than artisanal diyas made with all the positivity Lakshmi ji needs. Head there now for a memorable day of Diwali shopping!
First Published: October 14, 2019 6:13 PM