Bargains galore at Nestle Deepavali Carnival

AN AFTERNOON at the Nestle Deepavali Carnival for a spot of retail therapy did a world of good. No wonder, so many insist that shopping is the panacea of all ills, that is, until one’s credit limit is thoroughly exhausted.

Still, the suggestion of this activity, even when the wallet dictates that one can only take a look-see, is enough to bring on the smiles.

What makes the carnival exciting is the traders. There are over 250 booths at this indoor and outdoor event.

The first to catch the eye is the interesting array of wares on display. Expect to find rows and rows of exquisite lenghas, sarees and elaborately-styled costume jewellery, plus some extraordinary, out-of-this-world items.

Bling it on: Bridal jewellery from India is available at the fair.

At booth B93, Magic Toys India, a company based in Karnataka, India, the crowd was mesmerised when a magician made it look as if a ball was going up a string on its own while at booth A13, SNR Asia from Batu Caves added a mystical touch with crystal pyramids that promised to negate the effects of radiation and create positive energy for the owner.

Each pyramid comes with a compass (for positioning purposes) and a wish box in which a buyer can place a wish and meditate on his or her intentions.

The salesmen assured potential customers that the wishes would come true, provided they were realistic.

The carnival is also a place to meet old friends.

Dazzling: A collection of sheer tops from Lucknow on display.

Those who hail from Buntong in Ipoh will remember Murugan Rayappan, 63, and his wife, Nagama Kuthean, 60, for their kacang putih.

After 34 years in the business, the couple’s tapioca crisps have lost none of their crackly zest. Their booth at AC40 has 15 types of kacang putih selling at RM2 for 100gm.

It will be stretching it to claim that the prices here are kinder than most, but mind you that 40% of the traders have come from India and Pakistan. This means plenty of authentic Indian stuff.

Some items of note are a collection of richly-embroidered velvet vanity boxes from Taj Export, Agra, at booth A50 going for RM150 to RM200.

The booth also has handbags of similar designs at prices ranging from RM20 to RM30.

What really caught my eye was a pair of hand-stitched slippers from Kashmir Handicraft at A14. At RM50, the slippers, hand-sewn in Rajasthan, are available in sizes ranging from seven to 11.

For a sexy touch, head on to booth A21 and you’ll find the most riveting tops ever. For its sheer, sequined and in a variety of shades, the Tasmia Development Society from Lucknow is likely to become a fashion hit among local society ladies. Prices start from RM50 but you’re expected to bargain.

Bright colours: Wall hangings at booth A18.

If you like accessories, check out the bling from Foilax India at A15. Their bridal accessories of plated gold and zircon which cost about RM500 a set are from New Delhi. For a cheaper alternative, go to BC110 where you can find bangles priced from RM10 to RM40.

For home decor, a collection of bright bedspreads from Roopa Handlooms at A25 await those thinking of giving their bedrooms a makeover this season. Priced between RM30 to RM50, these hand-loomed fabrics were brought in from Kashmir.

For curtains, there was Home Collection at A68 with an offer at RM60 for two sides. These were brought in from Tamil Nadu and are available in a rainbow of colours.

Otherwise, check out the nifty wall and ceiling hangings at booth A18 and BC129 which feature cardboard cut-outs of divine figures and pottery items fashioned into bell-shaped incense lamps. Expect to fork out anything between RM6 to RM380.

The Nestle Deepavali Carnival promises patrons to be the nation’s most colourful, one-stop, shopping-cum-entertainment exposition. What makes shopping here interesting is the antics of the sales people.

Some use wit, while others resorted to charm. Some go by the strength of their products and are aloof and uncommunicative while a few unashamedly flirt and flatter with customers to close a deal.

Familiar faces: Those from Ipoh may remember Murugan and Nagama from Buntong.

Conversation with this lot had its memorable moments.

At Gaaura Enterprises in booth AC58, a purveyor of devotional statues was heard saying: “Just because the sun rises in the east, it does not mean it belongs to easterners,” when a shopper asked why he was selling Chinese feng shui items at a Deepavali fair.

There is delight in the discovery of great bargains or coming away with secret knowledge of a sales person’s gimmick. Assuredly, there is something for everyone. Just remember to bring more cash as some traders do not accept credit cards.

The Nestle Deepavali Carnival ends on Oct 25 and is open from noon to 10.30pm at KL Sentral Arena next to Le Meridien Hotel.