The 11th edition of Deep Utsav, Noida held between October 18 - October 20, 2013 is the most awaited annual consumer festival around Diwali. The festival attracts hundreds of people providing a platform for socio-cultural exchange and shopping right before Diwali. No doubt, with such festivals on the events calendar of Noida, the city has emerged as the cultural center of the state.
Abhishek Mishra, Minister of State for Science and Technology inaugurated the 3-day festival on Friday October 18, 2013 at the Noida Stadium situated in Sector 21A. Dr Yogendra Narain was the Guest of Honour. The inauguration ceremony was graced by SSP Dr Preetinder Singh; Satish Singhal, Chairman, Rotary Blood Bank, Noida and P S Jain, President, Confederation of NCR RWA. Mahendra Awana, Purshottam Sharma; Trilok Sharma were the other notable dignitaries present on the occasion. Dancers from Rajasthan and Gujarat enthralled the audience with their folk dance performances on the first day of the festival.
 |
| Deep Utsav 2013 at Noida Stadium |
Deep Utsav showcases our rich traditional and cultural heritage. Craftsmen and artisans from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttranchal, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Bihar had put on display their traditional artwork at the Deep Utsav. Bhagalpuri Silk, Lucknavi Chikankari, Khurja pottery, Brass and earthenware, carpets from Bhadoi, Madhubani paintings, intricately carved wooden furniture from Saharanpur and exquisite handloom and handicrafts captivated visitors and drove buyers to these stalls.
 |
| Deep Utsav is a Shoppers delight. Handicrafts items on display for sale. |
Around 200 stalls were set up at Deep Utsav bringing together the best of brands and products under one roof. The festival has witnessed nearly 40,000 footfalls a day in the past. Besides handicrafts, major corporate & retail brands, real estate companies and other big and small organization had participated at the event.
 |
| Carpets are a rage among festival buyers at Deep Utsav, Noida |
Stalls selling jewellery, decorative items, chocolates, herbal products & organic foods carpets, pottery and garments were a hit among visitors looking for attractive pieces for the coming Diwali festival. Decorative diyas and lamps are hot sells at the festival. Carved wooden furniture of Saharanpur and carpets of Bhadoi are other regular items of this festival which attract a lot of buyers. A carpet seller informed us he sold around 1.5 lakh worth goods on the last day. We found assorted flavored chocolates a real treat and ideal gift this Diwali season.
 |
| Assorted chocolate in colorful packs ideal gift for Diwali |
Deep Utsav is a foodies delight! One could enjoy food from various states at the festival. Food stalls of authentic Rajasthani, Punjabi, South Indian, Chinese dishes and chatpati chat-bhelpuri tingled the taste buds of everybody alike. Along with the snack partner McCain Dominoes, Happy Hakka and Dunkin' Donuts were the branded food retailers who had set up stalls - a proof of the Mall culture now totally ingrained in our ethos. We recommend McCain's burger, its just amazing if you could overlook the waiting time.
 |
| Food Stalls at the Deep Utsav, Noida |
People had come with their families in a large number to the festival on the last day. Being a holiday Deep Utsav made a perfect family-weekend-outing with the promise of fun, food and shopping woven into one single event. Children were excited to take the rides at the swings in the Kid Zone. Several programs were specially lined up for children on the last day. A painting compettion based on Diwali theme was organized. School children from Presidium School and Cambridge School recited beautiful poems. The winners of the competition were given color boxes and participation certificates.
 |
| Kid Zone at Deep Utsav, Noida |
The administration and organizers had taken utmost care to ensure the safety and security of visitors and exhibitors. Free Entry to the Deep Utsav was provided from Gate No 3 and 4. Metal detectors were placed and personal security checks were conducted at the entrance. Fire tenders were placed near the gates. Parking areas were manned by adequate parking and security staff for smooth and safe movement.
 |
| Security arrangements at the entrance for Deep Utsav, Noida |
Folk dancers of Rajasthan and Gujarat presented colorful dances that mesmerized the audiences at the closing ceremony. Magic show turned out to be a real crowd puller. Watch the video here. Dr Mahesh Sharma, owner of Kailash Hospital and Noida MLA; MP Surendra Singh Nagar and Nawab Singh Nagar graced the closing ceremony. At the end of the event exhibitors were given participation certificates as a vote of thanks for their contribution in making the event a success.
 |
| Folk Dancers at the Deep Utsav, Noida |
Dances, Magic show, competitions, shopping and food - all made the Deep Utsav an exuberant experience. We concluded the event with a Banarsi meetha paan at the exit gate. The colorful festival has now become the most awaited annual event of Noida.
Permission is explicitly denied for any republication of text or photographs in this site without the prior express written consent of the author, Bushra Muzaffar.