Bengaluru: Mythological figures take centre stage, dazzling installations light up shopping corridors, and the beats of Sandalwood and Bollywood fill the air. As Deepavali approaches, Bengaluru’s malls are pulling out all the stops to transform themselves into festive destinations, offering visitors much more than shopping.From elaborate decor and cultural showcases to dance nights, creative workshops, special shopping offers and culinary experiences, malls across the city are looking to make festive visits an occasion in themselves.The celebrations, which began around Dasara, have gathered momentum with Navratri and Dasara and will continue through Deepavali and the Christmas-New Year season. The idea is to turn malls into accessible third spaces where families and friends can come together, soak in the festive atmosphere and spend time beyond their shopping lists.Orion Malls has chosen the theme ‘Timeless Tradition’, with immersive installations inspired by the Ramayana, vibrant lighting and curated cultural experiences.“The campaign is designed to extend beyond conventional festive decorations, creating an experience that encourages customers to explore, engage and revisit the malls through the season. The overall campaign brings together Navratri, Dussehra, Deepavali and Karnataka Rajyotsava through a combination of décor, cultural programming and entertainment. We are sure that families, young people and visitors of all ages will find something to enjoy and take away from the experience,” said Sunil Munshi, COO (Retail), Brigade Group.Mythology has also found a prominent place in the festive makeover at Nexus Select Malls. Across its four properties in Bengaluru, the group has put up large installations featuring a swan in flight, a peacock, the celestial elephant Airavata and Ram’s iconic bow and arrow from the Ramayana.“Festive shopping is as much about preparing for the celebration as it is about the celebration itself. Choosing an outfit, buying a gift or getting the family together over a meal gives people different reasons to visit. For malls, the opportunity lies in bringing these occasions together in one destination,” said Nishank Joshi, Chief Marketing Officer, Nexus Select Trust.For Mantri Group, the emphasis is on bringing retail, leisure and festive celebrations together under one roof. “We want visitors to enjoy a complete experience that brings together retail, leisure and festive celebrations. The festival is an opportunity to welcome shoppers, create memorable experiences and strengthen our relationships with both customers and retail partners,” said Anupam T, CEO, Mantri Group.
Festive installations themed ‘Reflections of Tradition’ at Manti Mall welcome shoppers, offering memorable experiences to shoppers.
At Phoenix Mall of Asia, the scale and visual appeal of the festive installations are an integral part of the celebrations. The intention is to create an atmosphere that visitors remember long after their shopping trips.“We want the scale and beauty of the celebrations to be as memorable as the experiences themselves. The festive décor and illuminated installations are an important part of this, transforming the surroundings and bringing the spirit of the season to life. Combined with festive collections, special shopping experiences and culinary offerings, they make the mall a one-stop destination for the season,” said Ritu Mehta, Director Marketing – South & Pune Malls and Centre Director – Phoenix Mall of Asia.But the festive action is not confined to elaborate installations and illuminated spaces. Several malls have also lined up Bollywood-themed parties and hands-on workshops to get visitors into the festive spirit.Bhartiya Urban is now gearing up for ‘Lights of Joy – Pre-Diwali Bollywood Party’, promising an evening of chartbusters, dance-floor favourites and festive glamour. “We kicked off the festive season with a lively Garba Night, followed by a month-long shopping festival with grand giveaways. The celebrations continue with ‘Lights of Joy – Pre-Diwali Bollywood Party’, bringing together Bollywood chartbusters, dance-floor favourites and festive glamour. It is an invitation for visitors to dress in their festive best and enjoy an evening of music and dance with friends and family. Alongside this, festive workshops such as diya painting, DIY toran craft and Dandiya stick decoration offer opportunities to get creative and add a personal touch to the celebrations,” said Jermina Menon, Business and Marketing Strategist, Bhartiya Urban.Such attractions, she said, are also important in driving footfall during the festive season. While discounts and offers draw shoppers looking for fashion, beauty, electronics, home essentials and gifts, the prospect of combining shopping with dining, entertainment and family activities makes a visit more attractive. For mall operators, however, the real festive cheer lies not just in crowded corridors but in converting that footfall into business across categories.“The stronger test is whether a visit translates into purchases across stores, dining and reasons to return. Festive experiences have a clear role here – when they reflect the culture of the city, they give people a reason to make the mall part of their celebrations,” Joshi said.
