Candles in the wind

Woodsy, spicy, green, floral, fruity... Perfumes? No, on the contrary, we're talking candles. This Diwali, candle lovers can shop, shop and shop for a wide range that's available in boutiques and lifestyle stores.

There's Diptyque, one of the most well-known brands in candles, where candles are made of paraffin wax and lead-free wick that allow them to burn for 50- 60 hours. And there's a way to burn candles too. No, it isn't as simple as lighting a match stick and igniting the wick.

It goes beyond that. Candles (especially if you go for Diptyque ones) should ideally burn far from each other and should be from different families of scents. To put it simply, no two candles can be floral or, for that matter, woodsy.

That tip given, this festive season, say experts, Turkish and feng shui candles are burning bright. Take Spinach Candles, a candle-making company based in Delhi that had an exhibition at Habitat Centre recently. At the exhibition, Mandira Talwar and Annette Wong (who does "candle makeup") displayed 150 candle designs.

From unique hurricane candles that burn for 40-50 hours to Turkish candles where the container of the paraffin candle is made of glass and white metal, to Ganesha candles and even beach candles that are filled with gold dust, sea shells and clear gel to give the illusion of a beach, Spinach Candles have found dedicated corporate and individual clients. Clients are even calling them to their homes so they can customise candles.

Delhi-based feng shui consultant Sharad Goyal says, "We even advice people to light different coloured candles in appropriate directions." Kriti Creations has launched "path lighters" (a tea light holder on a long wrought iron stem) for Rs 200 in red, blue, gold and off-white colours.

"Candles placed in the north direction, in blue tea light holders, will enhance your career, while those placed in the north west and west direction, in gold, will enhance networking and give good financial results," says Goyal.

At Kriti, you can pick up unusual candles in watermelon, orange, lime and even apple flavours. These are cut to perfection in the shape of fruits and are specially imported from China. Price: Rs 125 upwards.

Interestingly even coffee shops and cafes are showcasing candles on their shelves this season. Step into any Barista and you'll find special "coffee-bean candles" resting on the counter with your hot cuppa.

There are hampers being sold too and these usually include candles in coffee and chocolate flavours, coffee mugs, besides a bagful of fresh coffee beans for serious coffee lovers, and are available at Rs 500 onwards.

At Fragrance, a Delhi-based flowers and candles boutique, a wide range of candles from Limelight, a company that recently hosted an exhibition in Delhi. On offer are aroma lamps, zig-zag candles, huge bowl-shaped candles with 6-8 wicks to burn for 48 hours non-stop (Rs 2,250) and perfumed candles in lavender, vanilla, rose and even strawberry.

And for those who like a touch of silver, try shell-shaped diyas dipped in silver available for Rs 260 (a set of four) at I K Silver, a lifestyle store that deals in silver products.

It's not just the look and fragrance of the candles but even their therapeutic abilities that is attracting customer attention. Take Faraway Tree candles, for instance, where candles are available in "clarity", "tranquility", and "essentiality" series. These candles are said to be specially created with pure essential oils to relieve fatigue and stress and are available anywhere between Rs 200-2,000.