Diwali in the Air – Mangalore Glows with Colourful Goodudeepas

by Nina Rai
Pics – Sphoorti Ullal
for Daijiworld Media Network  - Mangalore

Just like in the past, this year too, preparations for ‘Diwali’, the grand festival of lights have begun in full swing. Diwali is considered as one of the most beautiful festivals in India. Since it is a celebration of lights, Mangaloreans are busy gearing up to welcome Goddess Laxmi into their homes. It is on the whole, symbolic of dispelling the darkness and misery and bringing the light of prosperity and happiness into human life.

Diwali is celebrated with new clothes, spectacular firecrackers and a variety of sweets in the company of family and friends. Houses will be illuminated with rows of clay ‘deepas’ (lamps) and homes decorated with ‘rangoli’ and hanging lamps or ‘aakash kandils’.

Traditionally in Mangalore city, Diwali is celebrated by people hanging lighted lamps in the verandas or courtyards of their homes. As the festival is fast approaching there is an air of festivity all around. One finds shops, particularly in Hampankatta area displaying wide variety of multi-coloured ‘aakash kandils’ with decorative lanterns or lampshades of different shapes and sizes. Locally, these ornamental lampshades are called “goodudeepa” or “akaashabutti” and these seem to have hit the city markets in a big way.

In keeping with the modern trend, paper and hand-made “goodudeepas” have given way to plastic ones and those made in factories. Deeply influenced by the original Chinese art of making hanging lanterns, the style and art of making hanging lamps in the country especially those in the south has undergone drastic changes.

The Chinese type lampshade is fast gaining popularity this year. Besides being attractive, it is easy to handle. A special feature of this is that it comes with a rod that holds it firm and maintains its shape. In all there are around eighty five different types, both customary and contemporary and ranging anywhere between Rs 5 to Rs 300. These are made of plastic, paper, cloth or wood. Other types of lanterns found are those made of foam board, costing anywhere between Rs 150 to Rs 15,000 depending on its size and shape. These types are mostly in demand by business houses and for office premises.

People have not exactly stopped buying the traditional ones.  However it is seen that the demand for the modern lampshades is more. One exotic lamp shade seen on display for sale is that of a naturally shaped potato capped in with a bulb and creatively designed as a lampshade.  Since the lampshade is considered a symbol of prosperity, no one wants to take a chance, so some customers prefer to go for traditional ‘goodudeepa’ made of wood, which has touches of modern art on it.

Moreover one also finds customers who prefer lampshades with religious touches. The tulsi stand lamps and lamps with art work are the most in demand and fastest moving products in the market, say the shop keepers. Particularly one finds the wholesale dealers are extremely pleased as business is very brisk and has in fact gone up as compared to last few years. Hopefully, Diwali this season too brings good tidings not only for Mangaloreans, but to the entire country as well.