Celebrate Diwali with Mela Artisans
The most important and widely celebrated Hindu festival in India, Diwali follows the lunar calendar and takes place on October 30,2016 of this year, and continues the celebration for the next 5 days.
The festival has many meanings throughout India’s regions. Most universally, it celebrates the triumph of good over evil as illustrated in the epic, the Ramayana, in which Lord Rama returns in triumph to his kingdom after rescuing his wife, Sita, from the clutches of the evil demon, Ravana. Ganesha, the elephant-headed god of wisdom and luck, is also widely worshipped at this time, as is Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. In eastern India, the goddess Kali is honored during this festival.
Diwali is a multi-day celebration when Hindus visit the temple, entertain family and friends, give gifts and good wishes, buy new clothes and distribute alms to the needy. Special Diwali foods are prepared. There is a general feeling of joy and celebration in the air. Businesses close their books for the preceding year and give bonuses to employees. Hindu homes receive a thorough cleaning and general sprucing up. Garlands of flowers and mango leaves are hung above front doors and floors of entranceways are decorated with designs drawn in brightly colored powdered chalk. 
Every evening, families set out multiple rows of little oil lamps both inside and outside their homes, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. The sounds and sights of bursting firecrackers fill the air. Even non-Hindus join in the general celebration and all schools close for 1–2 weeks, making this a popular time for families to travel on vacation or to visit relatives in other parts of the country.
During Diwali, our team at Mela also reflects on the past year, and looks forward to the new light of projects that will be launching in the Hindu New Year.
New Fall Collection Our new Fall collections showcase the beautiful work of India’s artisans adapted to today’s modern design aesthetic. Mela Artisans Collections
Cultural Events We are celebrating Diwali at our new Vermont location 4566 Main St, Manchester Center,VT 05255 Join the team for a showing of Emmy-winning documentary Tashi and The Monk in collaboration with Northshire Bookstore.
Store Openings The grand opening of our first New York store location is November 17th at 242 W. 26th St. NYC, NY (between 7th and 8th) in collaboration with Tusk Come experience the quality and beauty of Mela’s handcrafted home and fashion accessories while learning about our social impact mission.
Sample Sales Our Semi-Annual Sample Sale is happening now until November 5th at 242 W. 26th St. NYC, NY (between 7th and 8th) in collaboration with Tusk and Masala Baby. Great values for your early Holiday shopping!
Collaborations We have collaborated with many Online brands that Ethically Edit an assortment of Fair Trade products like Accompany and curate a shopping experience like Shopstyle. We will be announcing more such collaborations soon so you’ll have access to more new places to find Mela’s products!
Online Experience Mela Artisans website – www.melaartisans.com - will continue to evolve and educate on our social impact: Notes from the Road for Mela Artisans 2016, as well as provide new decorating and fashion ideas, while continuing to be a comprehensive place to shop the entire collection of home décor and jewelry.
Special Promotions We are celebrating Diwali for our customers with a 20% off promotion on www.melaartisans.com and the Vermont store with code DIWALI2016. Happy Shopping! During this festive time in India, Mela Artisans wishes you a Happy Diwali and a healthy and prosperous year to come!
