Chinese lights add to Diwali sparkle

KANPUR: The markets are flooded with Chinese multi-colour lights in various forms and styles this Diwali. These fancy lights are giving a tough time to potters and candle makers. They are worried lot as the sale of earthen 'diyas' and candles are declining.
Majority of the people prefer to decorate their homes with the low cost, multi-coloured and fancy Chinese lights. These lights look good and are also environment friendly.
According to sources in the market, the demand for fancy Chinese lights has increased manifold in the past few years. The demands for candles had reduced but these are still in the market. But the earthen lamps had almost vanished.
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"The demand for Chinese lights had increased amazingly. Last year, we almost ran out of stock. This year, the demands is expected to reach to new heights," said Dheeraj, owner of shop at Ram Narain Bazaar.
The designer LED bulbs are available at Rs 30 per piece, a set of four crystal balls for Rs 150 and Ganesh showpiece with LED lights ranges from Rs 150 to Rs 300. Whereas, the Chinese lamps cost between Rs 50 and Rs 100.
Chhotu, another shopkeeper at P Road, said that the market has been flooded with a variety of LED lights. These are much in demand not only by the modern lot but also by those who believe in traditional decoration.
The Chinese lights are available in various forms. Among these, pipe light (Rs 30 per metre) and chip light (Rs 660 per five metres) are common and high in demand. Also huge star light (Rs 150), heart light (Rs 150), peacock wing (Rs 175), 'Swastik' (Rs 160) and 'Om' (Rs 150) (all LED lights) are the other items in demand.
"I have already sold hundreds of such LED pieces till now and in coming days I expect to sell more. Though it is not something new, still people are lapping it up," added another shopkeeper.
The multi-coloured and fancy Chinese lights are grabbing the market because these are trendy and affordable.
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Chinese lights can also be used to decorate the interiors as well. Attractive items like big colourful light balls (electronic kandeel) made of cloth and thread at Rs 660, lights in the shape of 'Ganesh-Lakshmi' made of bamboo for Rs 900 are also in demand.
The only thing Indian about the Chinese lights are the interesting names. There is 'magic' light that exhibits a change in colour within a short span of time. 'Damru lights' with countless mini-bulbs in a row is another attraction.
Easy on the pockets, these lights can be bought at Rs 60 per piece (per piece and includes about 40 bulbs). The four-in-one 'crystal gola' exhibits various hues of red, green, orange and blue, said Abdul, a light shop owner on Birhana Road.
Other varieties available in the market are 'flower jaal'and 'pearl strip' that can be combined with the rope lights to cover an entire building.
"I prefer Chinese lights over 'diyas' because these come at an affordable price and there is a wide variety to choose from. The best part is these lights can be used again and again, contrary to traditional diyas," said Sachin, a local resident.