Diwali is the time of the year when we invite the Goddess of prosperity to grace our abode and heart. Here are nine creative ways to do this
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It’s the season of festivity and fortune, where Goddess Laxmi’s presence is felt in every home. Torans adorn the doorways, and diyas hand moulded from mitti burn bright in every nook and corner of the country, in preparation for her arrival. Unlike her sister Saraswati, Laxmi ji is known to be jumpy, not choosing to stay too long in one place. While we know you are going to leave your door ajar to welcome her this Laxmi Puja, we’ve found nine creative ways to bring her home and keep her there.
Raja Ravi Varma oleograph
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Did you know that Raja Ravi Varma, the artist behind iconic paintings like Shakuntala and Damayanti, painted Indian goddesses to spread the fervour of patriotism and love for Indian culture? His style was a blend of European art and Indian iconography. His oleographs, or mass-produced prints, depicting Indian goddesses in their splendour and beauty were human-like and became ubiquitous for all of India to unite in worship. This oleograph we found of the Goddess of prosperity can add an eclectic charm to your walls, or serve as a unique present for someone you don’t mind splurging on.
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PRICE: Rs 28,000 onwards
TO ORDER: khojcrafts.com
Marble statue
Mukundra Arts N Craft has a pure marble dust murti of Laxmi, with fine gold engraving. Decked in golden finery, she sits on a lotus throne, smiling at her devotees. This seven-inch statue weighs nearly half a kg and is sure to look stunning on a countertop or altar. Place brass diyas around her to achieve a stunning play of gold to glam up your home, or spin a rangoli around her to create a flowery effect for your home.
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PRICE: Rs 2,999
TO ORDER: amazon.in
Goddess T-shirt
Why just seek Laxmi’s blessings on Diwali? With Native Head’s oversized Laxmi tee, you can it every day. Comfy and elegant, this tee is designed as a wearable work of art that will keep ill fortune away. It’s a reminder to carry a spiritual mindset into our daily lives. Pair it with a pair of jeans or an ethnic skirt.
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PRICE: Rs 699
TO ORDER: nativeheads.com
Chibi Laxmi
Fans of Kpop will recognise the “chibified” version of this Goddess Laxmi idol. Cute and artistic, this figurine is environment-friendly and made of upcycled felt, beads, cotton, and thread. Gift it to your kids for a cute spiritual reminder of the season, as an ultra-cool new age plushie, or get one for your car’s dashboard. We like their whole collection, which includes miniature versions of Ganesh, Krishna, and Durga, tiger in tow. Don’t worry about it getting dirty: It can be cleaned with a damp cloth.
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PRICE: Rs 990 onwards
TO ORDER: amala.earth
Lucky lockets
Jewellery platform Silverhouse has a treasure trove of Laxmi-inspired jewellery. From their dangling Laxmi earrings (R11,500) to their Laxmi temple necklace (R35,000), the SoBo store has a variety of gorgeous jewellery that pays homage to the goddess of wealth. And if you want to go beyond trinkets and have figurines grace your home, you’re in luck. Choose from among the delicately-engraved figures of Laxmi with an elephant, or the Laxmi mask that features the goddess engraved on a plaque flanked by peacocks. Shop online or at their brick and mortar outpost in Colaba.
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WHERE: Lala Nigam Road, Colaba Market
PRICE: Rs 5,000 onwards
TO ORDER: 9930026499
Colourful blessings
Maeva’s Anagha collection features hand-illustrated motifs in vibrant shades, like this Laxmi charan designed in bright pink and green hues. These Laxmi feet are decorated with flowers, beads, and strings that will embellish the threshold of the house and invite the goddess to step in.
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PRICE: Rs 1,124 onwards
TO ORDER: themaevastore.com
Handcrafted murti
For devotees of the Goddess who love going all out every Diwali, how about a 27-inch Laxmi statue? Design of India, a vintage brass décor store that houses idols of every shape, size, and form, has a dedicated Laxmi idol collection. The size of the idols ranges from 12 inch to 27 inches, and is made of pure brass. We loved the brass Laxmi that sits regally enthroned on a pedestal.
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PRICE: Rs 9000 onwards
TO ORDER: 8560855319
Festive cholis
Prisha Design, founded by Priyanka Kamthe Kumbare, has saree blouses with beautifully embroidered Goddess Laxmi motifs. It’s for those who want to flaunt their inner goddess. She is painted and decorated with multi-coloured beads to highlight her thick locks, against a white raw silk base. The cost of the blouse includes the painting, bead-work, and stitching. To order, leave a message on Instagram.
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PRICE: Rs 6,500 onwards
TO ORDER: @prisha_design_; INSTAGRAM
Vintage prayer boxes
If you are ritualistic and have a stack of little prayer books, photos of gods and goddesses, or sacred charms and rosaries, Indian Art House’s vintage prayer boxes are just for you. The tin cases have elegant hand-painted pictures of Goddess Laxmi, as well as paintings that depict the goddess in splendour. Based in Jaipur for 35 years, Indian Art House has a collection of vintage décor, artwork, and fabrics. We also love their colourful tantrik art, a form of religious painting that draws inspiration from the practice and philosophy of Tantra. To order, drop them a message on Instagram.
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PRICE: Rs 900
TO ORDER: @indianart_house; INSTAGRAM
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