Tamil Nadu - Madurai   

Lamps light up Karthigai sale exhibition in Madurai

MADURAI: If it is Deepavali, can Karthigai Deepam be far away? Following the ‘festival of lights’ comes the ‘festival of lamps.’ And lamps come in several shapes and sizes at the annual exhibition organised at its Poompuhar showroom on West Veli Street here by the Tamil Nadu Handicrafts Development Corporation. On display are lamps made in Madurai, Nachiarkoil and Vagaikulam by skilled artisans.

With prices starting from Rs. 20 and going up to Rs. 48,000, these beauties made of metal and terracotta come in forms that add grandeur to the ambience. According to S. Arunachalam, Manager, Poompuhar, the height of the lamps vary from five inches to six feet.

The most attractive ones are the ‘Lakshmi’ lamps that come with seven spouts and crowned with a swan. There are Paavai, Vinayagar, Venkatachalapathi, Kamakshi, Vasamalai, Malabar, Annam, Tirumalai and Nanda lamps. There are also standalone, serial and branch lamps.

The Tamil month of Karthigai is the season for buying lamps. Though they are bought during Karthigai Deepam, many lamps are meant to be giveaways for brides during wedding.

Lamps are also bought during the season for decorating the home and for offering to temples, says Mr. Arunachalam. The Poompuhar showroom registered a sale of Rs. 1.5 lakh worth lamps during the ‘festival of lamps’ in 2008. This year’s sales target is fixed at Rs, 2 lakh.

The exhibition will remain open till December 2.

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