Festivals are joyful reminders of those special days on the calendar, marked to immerse oneself in tradition and reconnect with loved ones.
Diwali is no exception. One of the most cherished of celebrations, the festival envelopes everyone in a warm embrace of light and togetherness. And it is during this time that people don’t just pick something for themselves, but go on and spread this love in whatever way they can.
Gifting is a treasured ritual. However, with so many options on offer and often too little time to decide, it can get overwhelming. But no worries, we’ve curated a list to make that choice easier. Read on.
SWEET OVERLOAD
First up, the very indulgent Diwali hampers by Baked and Loaded. The best part, there’s three you can pick from depending on your budget. Their Festive Premium Diwali Hamper priced at Rs 2,200 includes assorted Belgian chocolate brownies (6), assorted Belgian chocolate cookies, chocolate kunafa bars, brownie truffles, jumbo triple chocolate muffin and nutty chocolate granola.
While their Gourmet Diwali Hamper No. 2, which costs Rs 1,500, includes assorted Belgian chocolate brownies (6), assorted Belgian chocolate cookies, chocolate kunafa bars and nutty chocolate granola. You can also grab Hamper No. 3 at Rs 1,100 with assorted Belgian chocolate brownies (6), assorted Belgian chocolate cookies and a chocolate kunafa bar.
WHERE TO SHOP: Baked and Loaded Café, opposite HDFC bank, Parra Towers, North Goa
A CLASSIC MIX
If you head to Panjim, you’ll instantly notice how the market has taken on a new look with people checking out all sorts of assortments and décor items for the festive season. We too joined the hunt.
Walking along the narrow lanes and corners, we came across several stores offering hampers that allow you to indulge in dry fruits. The Shree Krishna Cashews Store, opposite Chandu Medical Store, has a mix of almonds, cashew nuts, pistachios and apricots on offer. Based on the type of box (a cardboard one or something more elaborate), and the weight of each item, these are priced from Rs 800 to Rs 1800.
Just a little ahead, Sunrise Store was brimming with customers. The hampers here had options ranging from the hamper box size to customising each item that went into it. The items you can add in these gifting boxes include dry fruits like almonds, cashew nuts, butterscotch soan cake, gulab jamun and assorted chocolates.
WHERE TO SHOP: Around the Panjim Market
SCENTED LOVE
Diwali is the festival of lights, and there’s no better occasion to be amidst the fragrance of soothing candles. If you are looking for something unique, you could consider Tranquil Lights' hampers of packaged candles and other complementary items.
Their Festive Potli Hamper priced at Rs 399 comprises a laddoo candle box, shot glass candle, scented flowers and dry fruits, another option is the urli candle, laddoo candle box, concrete lotuses (set of 2), festive candle jar and dry fruits at Rs 1,200.
WHERE TO SHOP: Store 1: Shop No. 5, Springfield Avenue, Vidyanagar, Margao; Store 2: Caculo Mall, Second Floor, opposite Max Panaji