NEW DELHI: Chinese paintings depicting Indian gods, Thai crystals, luck chillies, coin trees, golden frogs and Turkish evil eye — there’s no way you can run out of luck at the India International Trade Fair (IITF) here.
“These are Indian gods in the painting,” says Cyndia while manning the Chouzhou company’s stall at the international hall of the Pragati Maidan here.
Curious buyers and window-shoppers watch as she shows painting after painting of Indian deities.
“The paintings are a big draw here. They cost Rs.2,000 and upwards,” she tells IANS, adding that she’s also selling the much-sought after luck chillies that are supposed to bring prosperity and make for good wall-hangings.
She also stocks coin trees which are said to help grow the wealth of a person. “We have laughing Buddhas, golden frogs and luck chillies which are all made of ceramic and hand crafted,” she said.
The luck chillies cost around Rs.200 while the frogs are cheaper at Rs.150.
According to her, authentic Chinese products have a proven track record of bringing good fortune for centuries. “Chinese people believe in these items to bring luck and prosperity,” she said. Though it’s debatable whether her products actually bring in luck, the items have surely brought bumper sales to Cyndia.
“The sales are very good. We have managed to sell a lot of items. I feel we will be sold out soon,” she said.
Not far from the Chinese ones, Thailand stalls too are offering a host of items to bring luck.
“Crystals have a lot of power and help in healing as well as improving luck,” said Perry Mie of Bangkok Shopping stall where a host of items like crystal rings and necklace can be found.
Semi-precious stones from Myanmar and Uzbekistan are also doing brisk business with the Uzbek stall even providing astrological services for love and romance.
And if you are anxious about others eying your new found luck, then the Turkish and Iranian stalls are ready with their remedies like evil eye pendants, wall-hangings and bead necklaces.
“The evil eye is an integral part of Turkish culture. You can find it everywhere in Turkey, it is said to ward-off spells and bad wishes that others make for you,” said Unav from the Original Istambul stall.
Turks believe the ‘glass evil eye’ protects one from any negative gaze. Even the tail-wings of aircraft in the country are painted with the evil eye sign.
The evil eye or ‘nazar boncugu’ as it’s called in Turkish has been a much-sought item ever since it was first introduced at the IITF four years ago.
“There are a lot of cultural similarities between India and Turkey. The concept of nazar is one of them. And the items are selling like anything…Even the big charms weighing two-three kg have buyers,” he added.
The 31st edition of the annual IITF opened Monday and has attracted 6,000 exhibitors. Over 1.5 million visitors are expected during the 14-day event which ends Nov 27. (IANS)