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For all those of you who haven't woken up and smelt the freshly brewed coffee yet, it's time to get a move on and catch up with life. The much loved exhibition is going to be wrapped up pretty soon - by the 15th of this month - and we want to be sure that you don't miss out on some good deals in case you feel the urge to splurge.
Started out in 1938 with an initial capital investment of Rs. 2.50, the Industrial Exhibition is now a huge affair grossing lakhs of rupees each day in ticket sales alone. The Exhibition manages to churn about Rs. 5 crores over a period of just 46 days. Heck - and you thought it was just another show.
Well, money talks, and with over 2,500 stalls peddling just about everything under the ozone, there is a mind-boggling array of stuff to put your paw on. From 3-in-1 samosa makers (whatever they are) to A/Cs and popcorn, this is where the best deals are.
To get the latest buzz on the brown bag offers that are up for grabs, read on.
1. Sansui offers Color TVs ranging from the humble 14" to the obscene 29". With prices ranging between Rs. 6,500 to Rs. 22,990, it has a convenient 0% interest scheme to draw in customers of all dimensions.
2. Samsung follows suit with the same 0% interest scheme on almost all the items for sale except for the direct cool refrigerators, DVD players and A/Cs. Daily draws have blenders as their giveaways.
3. Offering a comprehensive list of household appliances, TMC (Tirumala Music center) has an exchange scheme wherein you bring in your ancient TV/fridge/stuff and get a new appliance of your choice with the difference in amount being paid. It also has a 0% interest scheme on the payment and spot approvals in case you want to buy on tick (for select credit card holders). Also baiting you is a surprise gift on every purchase. Feb 15th is the bumper draw with a huge diamond necklace up for grabs:
If your male counterpart is stuck in suspended animation cutting deals in the above mentioned stalls and you're itching to get away to loosen those purse strings, be sure to head in the following directions:
1. The Kashmiri stalls are a good place to start. With pretty embroidered salwar sets to shawls, there is stuff to suit everybody's palate. The salwar sets' prices are Rs. 250 onwards, and the saris have a discount of 10% to 20% (depending on your haggling skills).
No mention of Kashmir is complete without a citing of the luscious Pashmina Shawls. Grab this - 2 meters of this shawl will put you back by 5,000 bucks (and no, they don't accept credit cards!).
2. If Bengal beckons, then head for the handloom stalls which litter the front entrance. Most stalls stock regular Bengal and Dhaka cotton (some hand embroidered), and also Kanta stitch stuff. The cotton sari costs between Rs. 150 and Rs. 500, and the silk saris would be Rs. 250 onwards.
3. The Rajasthani stalls have a large collection of block printed salwar sets that are durable and make for great everyday wear - these are available at reasonable prices, starting at Rs. 175.
4. Gangotri, Utkalika and Gurjari have 10% - 40% off on items.
5. Go chic with chikan and check out the Lucknowi stalls. Prices are Rs. 150 onwards. There are loads of jewelry stalls which stock the prettiest of bangles and neck wear. Put a zing on the house with some nice sofa and cushion covers before completing the spell with some bedsheets and pillow covers. Most stall owners will be willing to reduce prices if you ask them to. Whatever you do, ladies, put that menacing look to good use, and haggle, haggle, haggle!
Down in the doldrums? Get your health checked up at the exhibition - with general checkups at Rs. 10, master checkups at Rs. 75 and ECGs at Rs. 20, this place is every hypochondriac's dream come true!
Well, that's what the bargaining bag looks like. If shopping or testing isn't your forte, you can always turn the other cheek and ride the 'Jhoola/Giant Wheel', or do what I do - hog! (Chaat, juice and even boiled peanuts!) And come what may, you can always find spiritual solace in that fluffy piece of pink candy. Well, the Exhibition certainly isn't a seven day wonder, and love it or hate it, you sure can't ignore it.
Smriti Kashyap
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