Gold Gujiyas & Silver Pichkaris: This Holi brings in some extravaganza and bling
Holi, the festival of colors, is known for its vibrant energy, playful traditions, and, of course, delicious treats. But this year, some celebrations in Uttar Pradesh are taking a decidedly luxurious turn. Forget your average gujiya and plastic pichkari –it’s about edible gold and handcrafted silver.
Gonda's Golden Gujiya: Comes with a Price
A sweet shop in Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, has created a buzz with its "Golden Gujiya," a confection that's as extravagant as it sounds. This isn't your typical khoya-filled pastry. This gujiya boasts a layer of 24-carat edible gold and a special filling of premium dry fruits.
The price as mentioned. A staggering ₹50,000 per kilogram, or ₹1,300 per piece. Shop manager Shivakant Chaturvedi explained to the use of 24-carat gold and the high-quality dry fruit filling justify the hefty price tag. He confirmed that both 24-carat Gold and Silver are safe and are fit for eating.
While the price has certainly raised eyebrows, it highlights a growing trend of incorporating luxurious elements into traditional celebrations. The Golden Gujiya is a far cry from the usual sweet dumplings filled with khoya, nuts, and dried fruits. The generous use of edible gold leaf gives it a distinctive, shimmering appearance.
Lucknow's Silver Lining: The ₹1 Lakh Pichkari
It's not just sweets getting the luxury treatment. A jewelry shop in Lucknow is offering a special silver pichkari (water gun) and small buckets, with prices reaching up to ₹1 lakh. Jeweler Adesh Kumar Jain explained that these silver pichkaris are part of a long-standing tradition, often gifted between the families of a newly married couple. The bride's family traditionally presents it to the groom's family.
This year, the designs have been elevated with intricate carvings, meenakari work (a traditional Indian enameling technique), and stone inlays. Jain noted that these additions have been incredibly popular.
The response, according to Jain, has been phenomenal. He reported that at least 1,000 of these silver pichkaris have been sold in Lucknow alone, with many more purchased by retailers across the region. He anticipates that this tradition of gifting elaborate silver pichkaris will only continue to grow in popularity in the coming years. He stated that their prices typically start around Rs 8,000.
Beyond the Bling: A Reflection of Changing Traditions?
While these extravagant offerings might seem over-the-top to some, they reflect a fascinating shift in how some people are choosing to celebrate traditional festivals. It's a blend of age-old customs with a modern desire for luxury and unique experiences. Whether it's a desire to stand out, a reflection of increasing affluence, or simply a love for all things opulent, these high-end Holi items are certainly making a statement.
Holi's Evolving Landscape
This Holi, while the core traditions of color, community, and celebration remain, there's a clear trend towards incorporating luxury and exclusivity. Whether you're indulging in a gold-layered gujiya or gifting a silver pichkari, it's clear that some are choosing to celebrate in a truly grand style. It raises an interesting question: are these extravagant items a fleeting trend, or a sign of a more permanent shift in how we celebrate our festivals? Only time (and future Holi seasons) will tell. Readers any takers do let us know for the record.
