“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” Mary Angelou

As we go to press, the country is witnessing a gifting deluge, after the flooding deluge in Kerala – funds and essential supplies are pouring in from all corners of the country. Such empathy and magnanimity on the part of our countrymen and foreign nationals reassures us that humanity is alive and kicking and delivers a kick-on-the-rear to those who spread poison with their polarizing and communal cries.

The gifting season in India beckons with a trio of festivals this week and weekend: Bakr-Id (22 August), Onam (25 August) and Raksha Bandhan (26 August)!

Bakr-id symbolized by sacrifice and Muslims commemorate it with a symbolic sacrifice of a halal domestic animal; families dress in their finest, offer prayers, exchange wishes and gifts, before sitting down for a royal repast.

Onam is a cultural festival in Kerala and celebrated by everyone, irrespective of their faith. Legend has it that King Mahabali visits his land (Kerala) once every year and Onam is a celebration of that visit. It is also considered a harvest festival, and many events, games and feasts embellish this 10-day festivity, culminating with a grand Onasadya.

Raksha Bandhan or Rakhi as it is popularly called – commemorating the bond of protection, where the sister ties a rakhi on her brother and gifts are exchanged, has its origins in the Northern part of the country, but is now a pan-India phenomenon with people from the South also participating in this ritual with gusto. Rakhi-brothers (not related by blood) are now probably more in number, thus attesting to the eternal and enduring force of brother-sister ties.

These then are immediate reasons for gifting. Having said that, however, ideal gifting does not wait for an occasion. Psychologists contend that Gifting is a complex and important part of human interaction, helping to define relationships and strengthen bonds with family and friends. It is the giver who reaps the biggest psychological gains from the act of giving. Gifting indicates a show of interest, appreciation and gratitude. It is a positive act which in turn, attracts positivity. And gratitude and positivity always boomerang.

At Artisans Rose, we have an array of gifting options from photo frames to candlesticks to vintage boxes, watch cases, mirrors, curios and many more, charmingly fashioned to showcase your expressions of love, friendship, gratitude and appreciation in your circle. The photo on the blog is a tableau of some of our gifting options.

To buy, please visit www.artisansrose.com and choose your selection.

All of us at Artisans Rose wish you a joyous and peaceful festive season!

If you like what you see and want us to design and manufacture distinctive décor art and furniture to enhance the experience at your home/establishment, do write to us at [email protected] You can also call +91 90727 87773, Monday to Saturday, 10 am – 7 pm.

We spearhead interior design and architecture projects along with our esteemed partners and elevate and enhance spaces (home and commercial) to our clients’ complete satisfaction.