Author: Neha Dewan
Publication: The Economic Times
Date: October 31, 2010
URL: http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/features/sunday-et/indulge/Idols-of-Hindu-deities-emerge-as-best-selling-gift-items/articleshow/6843999.cms?curpg=2
Introduction: Look who's making you splurge
this festival season! Designer idols of Hindu deities are selling at a premium
for their novelty value, says Neha Dewan
Choosing a gift that creates the right impression
is not always easy. One has to make sure that it gels well with the recipient's
taste and fancies. For corporates, the festive season is a time of the year
associated with frenetic purchase of gifts. Now, with the festival of lights
just round the corner, idols of Hindu gods and goddesses have emerged as best-selling
gift items, even in the corporate circles. While Goddess Lakshmi is considered
the reigning deity during Diwali, the blessings of Lord Ganesha are also sought.
Though always a popular choice, this year,
the trend in gifting religious idols is more stylised and high-end for corporate
gifting. A lot of theme Ganeshas studded with a variety of stones are available
for those who want to gift something memorable. Not surprisingly, Ganeshas
in sterling silver, gold and precious gems are a preferred choice for many
corporates.
Sterling silverware brand Episode's collection
of Ganeshas is based either on a legend, folklore or beliefs about the deity.
The 'Parikrama' Ganesha, for instance, is based on the legend where the child
Ganesha was competing with his brother Kartikeya with the prize being a mango.
Legend goes that whichever of the two brothers manages to go around the world
faster would get the prize. So while Kartikeya went around the world, Ganesha,
in his wisdom, just walks around Shiva-his father -and says he has walked
around the world! Their
'Writing Ganesha' is also a popular buy which
shows Ganesha writing a verse from the Gita. Deepak Whorra, director and creative
head, Episode says that gifting high-end Ganeshas are now considered a better
option for festive occasions than popular choices such as candle holders or
desktop accessories in earlier times. "For the non-believers it's a very
neutral gift and for the believers, to receive a Ganesha as a gift is considered
an omen of good luck," he adds. Corporates too have focused on these
factors. Prices here can range from 1,400 to 29.5 lakh as well, if one is
opting for a limited edition Ganesha. In fact, there is variety in the market
for those looking for ultra-exclusive options in religious deities. Spanish
porcelain brand Lladro has a collection of Ganeshas in different forms such
as Veena Ganesha, Bansuri Ganesha and Dancing Ganesha. The brand's Spirit
of India collection, in fact, also has religious idols such as Goddess Lakshmi,
Radha Krishna and Shiva Nataraja. Amar Agrawal, MD of Spa Group, which distributes
the brand in India, says the demand this year for religious deities has been
at least four times higher than last year. "More than 50% of this demand
is coming from corporates. Such gifts are given phenomenal importance as corporate
gifts," he says, "Everybody universally respects them and then it
also conveys sending good fortune to someone. It creates a positive impression
of a well wisher. So, it works well as Indians are very sensitive with regard
to the message that they want to send out."
Like Lladro, Rose Group has a special limited
edition collection-Gems & Divinity, a collection of Ganeshas created through
precious and semi-precious stones. They have 80 Ganeshas created with different
themes such as the Shiva Ganesh, the Brindavan Ganesh and the Musical Veena
Ganesh. Priced in the range of 15,000 to 1.5 lakh, these are studded with
sapphires, diamonds, emeralds and rubies.
Abhay Gupta, executive director, Blues Home,
the interior division of luxury retail chain Blues Group says that the idols
are synonymous with festivals and hence are the preferred choice. "It
is traditional, beautiful and appropriate for the occasion. Ganesha in different
forms, shapes, sizes and materials has always been a motivational gift and
is value addition to the recipient as well." Blues Home has various options
in idols in marble, terracota and brass, right from miniature sizes to 10
ft tall ones. A popular buy in their collection this season has been the Pagri
Ganesha. Priced at 78,900, it shows Ganesha wearing a turban and is available
in different base materials such as stone, marble and silver.
One reason why gifting religious idols is
so popular is because they also add a personal touch. "Talking about
corporate gifting in particular, religious deities are preferred as they connect
well with majority of the Indian population. Over and above that one cannot
deny the aesthetic value of a beautiful idol piece which would also make a
great conversation starter," says Megha Jain, V-P of stainless steel
home accessories brand Magppie. The brand has idols such as little Lord Ganesha,
Ganesha with Vastra in steel and Ganesha with Vastra in golden plating which
are seeing a good sellout for the season.
There are varied designs and themes that one
can choose from in idols this festive season. So gift something more personalised
to your corporate network. Light up their homes by presenting them symbols
of peace and prosperity. The impression will last forever.
- neha.dewan@timesgroup.com
