‘Amazing India’ at Magnet Mall

CULTURE/LIFESTYLE

Come, experience ‘Amazing India’ 

at Magnet Mall

 

Mumbai: For the first time in Mumbai, the myriad cultures, traditions and cuisines of India has been brought under one roof at Neptune’s Magnet Mall in Bhandup. For a country whose demography changes every 100 kilometre, and dialect every 200 kilometre on an average, the words ‘Amazing India’ aptly describes Neptune’s carnival that commenced on June 14 would conclude on India’s Independence Day.

Surjit Singh Rajpurohit, CEO of Neptune’s Magnet Mall said, “Many of us travel to various holiday destinations across the country. But it is practically not feasible for all of us to reach out to every corner of our great country, and know the various cultures, traditions, art or cuisine. At Neptune we value our Indian tradition, and it is the primary reason why we thought of bringing together ‘India’ under one roof for people to savour the rich diversity of our country.”

Be it buying the jamdani’s of Uttar Pradesh, pherans of Kashmir or famous Kanjeevaram and Mysore Silk sarees, or experiencing the splendid dances forms such as Yakshagana of Karnataka, Bihu Dance of Assam or Thang Ta of Manipur – one would be able to see it all at the Magnet Mall in the next three months.

The concept which aims to bring its citizens closer through handicrafts, artwork, food, performing art such as music and dance will be divided into Western, Eastern, Northern and Southern India, and each zone will be represented by various delegates for a period of 15 days at the mall. The carnival would conclude with Independence Day celebrations which will see participation from each of the zones.

The Laxmi Diya is one of the finest creations by artisans of South India. About 25 years ago only three such diyas were casted by the craftsmen. One diya is currently in USA, another is in a temple in South India and this is the third and only of its kind creation. This is considered to be the world’s one of the largest lamps.

There are 5 levels of diyas with 5 cuts for wicks in each. This symbolizes the five essential elements of the universe. On the top is a small idol of Goddess Laxmi. This diya was acquired by a private antiques collector a few years ago from a craft emporium. Since then it has travelled to various parts of the country and world to grace many auspicious and important occasions. It has total 144 wicks and takes around 1 hour to lamp the entire lamp. Moreover, it needs about 20 to 25 litre of ghee or oil to light it.

This lamp has been specially lent by its collector Mr Ved Pohoja generously to Neptune Magnet Mall for special event of Amazing India. For next 15 days, here the theme of South India has been created to mark the national integration. Similarly, North, West and East India will be covered as the theme in consecutive fortnights wherein the dance, music, geography and cuisine will be at the display and experience. Currently, mouthwatering authentic South Indian food is at offering which is prepared by chefs using the authentic ingredients brought over from South India.