Delhi Duty Free bonanza for Commonwealth Games

Indian handcrafted items like rose buds dipped in sliver, shawls, decoration pieces and of course collectibles sporting Mahatma Gandhi are on offer for athletes and delegates from across the world for the ongoing Commonwealth Games.

India's largest duty free retail operator located at the new Terminal 3 of the Indira Gandhi International Airport here has also announced special discounts for athletes shopping at the duty free shops till October 20.

"All athletes who have won medals are entitled to a 20 per cent discount on items purchased and we are offering other athletes a 10 per cent discount," said Abhijeet Das, Head Marketing at Delhi Duty Free Services Pvt. Ltd. (DDFS).
    
A dedicated section "Discover India" highlights a range of ready-to-eat food, varieties of tea and coffee, cosmetics, perfumes and handicrafted souveniers. Another special section offers special Mahatma Gandhi souveniers.
    
"The Gandhi products have been very popular with watches, pens, mugs, calenders and sculptures selling a lot," said Das.
    
The Eternal Gandhi, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Group has displayed Gandhi's statue from Gandhi Smriti museum, his charkha, famous quotes, poems and prayers by him.
    
Special short movies talking about the Father of the Nation, his philosophies, his way of living are being played at the LCD screens within the Duty Free area.
    
"A lot of people have been transiting through the airport due to the Commonwealth Games. We want to commemorate the spirit of the Games which has seen quite a bit of negative criticism. We want travellers to take back with them a bit of the India with them," said Das.
    
Opened in July this year, the DDFS is a joint venture between Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL), Indian Duty Free Services (IDFS) and Dublin-based Aer Rianta International (ARI).
    
Apart from ethnic goods, the duty free outlet is also offering a range of whisky from around the world, premium cigars and latest fashion clothing range and accessories from leading international brands.