Goddess Lakshmi graces city malls in finery!

Lucknow, Oct 16 (UNI) With Diwali round the corner, Lakshmi -- the Hindu goddess of wealth -- has graced city malls dressed in her quintessential finery! Far from yesteryears' staid terracota images of the diety, Lakshmi idols have gone a complete makeover in design, ornamentation and packaging.

These exquisite terracota 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 terracota 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,'' Mr Makhija observed talking to UNI.

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.

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