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Diwali is the time for gift giving. Make this year’s Diwali special by following old traditions and adding your own personal touch. CitySaheli brings to you the gift giving traditions for this holiday and suggests unique and modern gifts for the urban Saheli. Enjoy!
The Tradition: Sending Wishes
Tis the season to spread love, joy and well wishes. Often people send an email, an SMS or the more traditional card to family and friends to wish them a happy Diwali, a prosperous new year, and a Sal Mubarak (Happy New Year).
CitySaheli found some places where you can order lovely original cards to send to family and friends. If you are short on time, e-cards are also a great way to show your loved ones that you are thinking of them.
CitySaheli’s picks:
Tinyprints
3BeesPaperie
Hallmark E-cards & Blue Mountain E-cards
The Tradition: Buying Steel and Gold on Dhanteras
Dhanetaras is an auspicious day when millions of Hindus pay homage to Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth. Many followers buy steel gadgets for the kitchen, while others buy gold or silver on this day. According to tradition, the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the home to upkeep, since it is where food is made. As such, steel items such as pots and pans are purchased. Some also buy gold or silver for good luck.
Bored of pots and pans? Spice up your Dhanteras this year with some new and different kitchen wear.
Alessi (Known for great Italian designs in steel)
130 Greene St
New York, NY 10012
(212) 941-7300
If you don’t have one, consider adding a Dutch oven.
Williams Sonoma (multiple locations within Manhattan)
Bed Bath & Beyond (multiple locations within Manhattan)
Michael Aram creates beautiful pieces for the home, many with an Eastern flare. This designer’s work makes a fantastic Diwali gift or a great addition to your own home.
Michael Aram Flagship
136 West 18th Street
New York, NY 10011
Jewelry is a gift loved by all and a great gift to give during the Diwali season. Check out Waris Ahluwalia, who has designed jewelry influenced by the Sikh culture. His work can be found at Barneys.
Barneys
660 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10065
Another great spot to check out if you want to give jewelry – Fragments. This spot houses the top jewelry designers under one roof.
Fragments
116 Prince Street
New York, NY 10012
(212) 334-9588
The Tradition: Giving Sweets
Sweets are a staple in any South Asian cultural celebration and are eaten throughout the Diwali season. Often families and friends visit each other to share sweets they have made or purchased to wish each other well for the new year to come.
If you can’t make it, buy it. Citysaheli has found some shops in Manhattan that sell scrumptious Indian delicacies. If you aren’t a fan of South Asian sweets, be creative. From macaroons to homemade truffles, New York is home to some of the of the best candy makers and chocolatiers in the world.
South Asian Sweet Shops
Sukhadia
17 West 45th Street
New York City, NY
(between 5th and 6th Avenue)
212-395-7300
Rajbhog (multiple locations outside of Manhattan)
Usha Food (this is great for savory snacks as well)
25503 Hillside Ave
Floral Park, NY 11004-1615
718-343-3217
Non-South Asian Sweets
Check this out for divine chocolates:
Kee’s Chocolates (multiple locations in Manhattan)
For French macaroon lovers:
MacarOn Café
161 West 36th Street
New York, NY 10018
T/F (212) 564-3525
The Tradition: Gifting Gifts of All Types
Many families and friends exchange gifts for Diwali. Usually elders give money to the younger generation, whether siblings, children or grand children. Many times, parents gift their children new clothes or new toys, as Diwali is the time for new beginnings. Candles are also a staple gift, since Diwali after all is the festival of lights!
Specialty Candles We Love:
Sixth Sense
324 W 49th Street
New York, NY 10019-7312
Henri Bendel
712 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10019
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