Thaindian News

New Delhi, Oct 6 (IANS) With the Commonwealth Games (CWG) fever gripping the Indian capital, athletes, officials and tourists are being bombarded with a host of freebies, discounts and bonanzas to cash in on the buzz being created by the 12-day event.

From the departure area of the spanking new terminal at the Indira Gandhi International Airport to the shopping district in downtown Connaught Place, merchants have unleashed a tempting sales pitch, difficult not to succumb to.

“We salute the spirit of all participating athletes who have come from all over the world to participate in the games,” said Nicholas Goddard Palmer, chief executive of Delhi Duty Free that has new promotion for them in the departure area.

“In recognition of their achievements, personal and team, we are offering them discounts to shop at our duty free shops for exquisite chocolates, perfumes, liquor and much more,” Palmer said.

Even the Khadi Gramodyog, which draws its inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi with garments made of homespun fabric and organic food and cosmetics, has announced a 20-percent discount on many of its products during the Games.

Its large showroom in Connaught Place promises a “manifestation of India’s rural resurgence and a display of the purest Khadi products” and has invited guests to also experience its range of spices, soaps, shampoos and pickles.

The government — both at the federal and the state level - has also announced a series of special packages, as part of their Incredible India campaign such as craft and food festival in central Delhi and a tour of the Taj Mahal in a Mercedes bus.

Shopping centres such as Shipra Mall in Ghaziabad have organised Games fiestas which will run from Oct 8 till Oct 14. The festival will have exciting games and events like snakes and ladder games and tattoo making contests.

“The attraction of the festival will be snakes and ladder games in which visitors will be asked questions about CWG,” said Arti Chauhan senior manager marketing Shipra mall.

Ansal Plaza, situated near the main Games venue — Jawaharlal Nehru stadium is giving special discounts exclusively to the people associated with the mega sporting event.

“We are offering exclusive discounts to people who come with CWG identity cards. The discounts vary from one shop to another,” said Princy Sugah marketing manager Ansal Plaza.

The mall though could not get permission to organise any shopping festival or event because of the security concerns, considering its proximity to the games village.

Noida based Great India Palace is decked up and has flags of all participating nations on display. The mall is not charging parking fee for vehicles associated with the Games. It has has also organised a world cuisine festival and a night bazaar.

“We are trying to have cuisine of all the participating countries in the world cuisine festival,” said Piyush Mishra head of corporate communications Great India Palace, adding the festivals will be a seven-day long affair staring Oct 11.

The mall is also providing 30 percent discount in its adventure park — World of Wonders — to the visitors who produce Commonwealth games tickets.

Another mall, Select City Walk in Saket, has organised a three-day shopping festival with 10 percent reward points to redeem while shopping in any of the outlets. Also is a chance to win a host of goodies by particpating in Games related quiz sessions.