Diwali 2017: Let the celebrations begin with these Diwali melas in Delhi-NCR and on campus

The festival of lights might be a fortnight away, but the celebrations can always start early, right? Here are Diwali melas that will light up your festive season.

One of the biggest festivals in India, Diwali is all about shopping beautiful lights and decoration, food, fun and games. And if there’s one place where you can experience it all much before the festival arrives, then that has to be a Diwali mela. Here’s all the information about the best Diwali melas in and around Delhi-NCR, including those in Delhi University, where you can soak in the festive spirit.

A shot of the beautifully decorated Defence Colony Diwali Mela. (Jasjeet Plaha/HT Photo)

BLIND SCHOOL DIWALI MELA

This one tops the list when it comes to Diwali melas in the city! Visitors can shop for a variety of options such as diyas, handmade candles, planters, jewellery and more. What makes it better is that you can also enjoy delicious food offerings while you load your shopping bags.

EPICENTRE DIWALI MELA

Expect everything from carved candles, decorated diyas and décor items to jewellery, apparel and more, at this mela that’s a treat for those living in Gurgaon. Artisans from across India participate in this mela, making it a grand exhibition.

SUNDER NAGAR DIWALI MELA

This one’s for those who wish to soak in the true Diwali spirit. Running for more than 50 years now, this mela brings together the best of food, shopping and fun. Visitors can enjoy a ride on the ferris wheels, shopping, delectable delights and magic shows here.

SELECT CITY DIWALI BAZAAR

Be it cute trinkets or designer apparel, you can find great options here, and that too, at great prices. The bazaar is beautifully decorated and looks best at night. And, if the shopping here doesn’t do it for you, the mall right next to it definitely will help.

DEFENCE COLONY DIWALI BAZAAR

Indulge in fun games, shopping and great food at one of the biggest colony melas in the city. For those who love a bit of culture, this fest has some interesting music gigs to check out, too.

KHUSHIYAN DIWALI MELA

Organised by NGO Khushiyan, it will see participation from more than 300 children from 10 NGOs. Game stalls, fun activities or snack kiosks — it has it all.

THE FESTIVE BAZAAR

With delicacies such as kebabs, rolls, freshly baked pizzas, Indian street food, and stalls that offers a variety of apparel, jewellery, home decor, cosmetics, bags and many other lifestyle products, you will be spoilt for choice here. One can also enjoy rounds of Tambola as the sun sets and stand a chance to win exciting prizes. Ahead of Karva Chauth, there will be goodies and mehendi wallahs, too.

The Festival of Lights at Nature Bazaar is a shopper’s delight.

This 12-day carnival-cum-exhibition will feature items representing crafts from across India, be it home decor, accessories or garden decor. You can also go on a shopping spree here, relish multi-cuisine offerings at the food court, and enjoy the various cultural performances.

DIWALI MELAS ON CAMPUS

Festive fervour + Delhi University spirit = Diwali done right! Here are melas organised by the NSS (National Service Scheme) students and student unions of various colleges. Do remember to carry your college ID card to get entry. Here are the most popular melas on campus:

LSR’s Diwali mela will have a variety of handicrafts to buy and performances to enjoy.

NOOR 2017, LADY SHRI RAM COLLEGE FOR WOMEN (LSR)

The mela at Lady Shri Ram College for Women has it all — flash mobs, cultural acts, a kids’ corner, and also online contests. This year’s theme is Dastagiri, which means ‘to help’. “We’re trying to help and provide a platform to the NGOs associated with LSR, to student entrepreneurs, and to other non-profit organisations,” says Veerangana Kohli, the NSS president at LSR.

SURUCHI 2017, HINDU COLLEGE

The Diwali mela at Hindu College this year is all about promoting various student initiatives. “Our focus this year will remain promoting initiatives and creations of our students,” says Mimansi Sethi, event head of Suruchi. The decor will be done using recycling waste, like paper tray (egg trays) and cartons. Other attractions will include an art street with live music; an eye donation pledge, and more.

The theme of the mela will be ‘Smiling with Strangers’. “Even though we’re all graduate students, we’re still wary of strangers. So we wanted to do something about that,” explains Sethi, adding, “We’re encouraging people to upload photos with a stranger who made them smile, or vice versa.”

For delectable foods head to Gargi College.

ZISTAVTA 2017, GARGI COLLEGE

The mela will have around 75 stalls, food trucks, a magic show and more. . This year, there’ll be a lot of interesting food items for students to gorge on. “Foodies can expect chicken and bacon waffles, and waffle shakes!” says Dilmeet Kaur, student Public Relations Officer.

Enjoy fun activities as part of this mela.

AASHAYEN – JASHN-E-DIWALI, KIRORI MAL COLLEGE (KMC)

Highlights of this mela at Kirori Mal College include Game of Thrones themed Twister, golgappe eating competition and pottery. “Humne games and fun activities zyaada rakhi hain taaki log masti kar sakein (We’ve focused on fun games so people enjoy to the fulest),” says Akhilesh Singh Tomar, a student of NSS, KMC. “Apat from that, there will also be stalls featuring items made by NGO kids, and students from our own NSS cell,” adds Tomar.

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