Candle in the hand

THE BUZZ-WORD these days is `fancy'. Everything and anything you do or possess must have that something special, something eye- catching or even zany perhaps. This goes with everything, even the little candle you hold.

Times are changing. Things must not be just functional but decorative as well. If Cyberabad is forging ahead with new ideas can the Old city lag behind? No way. That's the sign of the times. Whether it's a marriage anniversary, a birthday bash, Christmas or just any celebration - you can't do without candles. And mind you - ordinary candles won't do. They must be special ones, matching the colour of the bridal saree or just melting with the mood of the occasion.

No need to go searching for them with a candle. They are right here in the Old city, Laldarwaza to be precise. Shobha's House of fancy candles is a treasure trove of rare and exquisite candles. But you won't feel like burning them. Their right place is the drawing room where you would like to show them off.

Yes, these are not just candles but creative artefacts. They come in different shapes, hues and perfumes. Little Ganeshas, teddy bears, Mona Lisas - all cast in wax. Not just this. There are also twisted candles, jelly-fish candles, sand candles, dinner candles, mosaics and candles shaped like pyramids.

In the deft hands of Nirankar Mehra and his wife, Shobha, the paraffin wax takes different shapes. Their children, Amar and Tejesvita, also chip in with ideas and design. Interestingly, these fancy candles are hard like stone. "This is because of the imported wax we use", says Mehra.

It is four years ago that they began making fancy candles and found a ready and eager market for them. These candles are now available at all gift and novelties shops, super markets, khadi and craft emporiums.

Elton John crooned, `Candle in the wind...' Shall we say candle is right in our hand!

By J.S. Ifthekhar

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Section  : Southern States
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