The festival of lights is just over a month away. And if you haven't already started shopping for it, you can make a start at the Diwali Fair organised by Ms Chumkie Banerji of Fairs and Bazaars.

The event, to be held on Sept 21 and 22 at Orchard Parade Hotel, features more than 50 exhibitors bringing in a myriad of products ranging from traditional diyas, designer wear and home decor items to mithai, chocolates, Indian stationery and even Middle-Eastern delicacies like the baklava.

Ms Banerji, who has been organising fairs for the last 22 years, expects a large turnout for the event even though it is being held mid-week. "Diwali is the time to shop. We have a lot of small and established businesses taking part, who are bringing in absolutely new products from India and other parts of the world at great prices," she tells tabla!.

For those looking to revamp their wardrobe for this festive season, they need look no further than Indochine With Gaurika.

Its owner Gaurika Miglani will be exhibiting her Asian-ethnic designer wear at the fair and says: "The label clearly differentiates itself from other boutiques with its reasonably-priced yet exclusive and vibrant fashion wear."

If you are one for Indian fusion wear then Namastey Bollywood, a unique fashion and accessories store, provides you with some interesting options.

Owner Soniyah Sidhu says: "Our clothes are unique and very affordable. We will be exhibiting kurtis, Indian fusion clothes and clutches at the fair. Prices for clutches are from $15 to $75, while our kurtis are from $25 onwards."

You can also give your home a new look this festive season by putting up a great piece of art on that blank wall. Ms Preeti Darbari of Space Raga will bring to the fair a collection of oil paintings from Indian and Hong Kong artists priced from $100 onwards.

Ms Darbari, a certified fengshui and Vaastu Shastra consultant, says: "I will also be offering fengshui, Vaastu Shastra and interior design services at a 10 per cent discount during the fair."

Ms Malini Srivastav, who runs her company www.anishanushka.com from home and specialises in handicraft and brass products, expects the prices of her items - starting at $1 - to be a big draw.

Another interesting stall at the fair will be Ms Michelle Mascarenhas' Indian stationery stall which sells items like wrapping paper, gift bags, envelopes and cards. "All my products are from recycled and handmade paper. I do my business from home and also sell them at exhibitions like this one. I offer competitive rates. You can buy a pack of 10 cards for $10, which elsewhere might be selling for $6 a piece," she says.

There is also going to be a henna tattoo stall at the fair for those interested in getting intricate patterns done on their hands and feet.

Ms Nurin Khan, who runs Khan's Mehendi, says: "I have been putting mehendi since the age of 10. I do bridal designs as well as patterns for festive occasions." Her prices start at $5 for hands and $7 for feet.

Indian festive shopping can never be complete without sweets and this fair offers a wide selection of goodies like chocolates, traditional Indian mithai and Middle-Eastern delicacies to choose from.

Ms Dina Shahab of Fadina, a long-time client of Ms Banerji, will showcase baklava from Lebanon and other Middle-Eastern delicacies along with chocolates, dates, dried fruits and easy-canned preparations. "Some of my popular items are the sugar-coated almonds which will be selling at $7 per 100g, and handmade chocolates which are priced at $15 per 100g and of course the baklava," she says.

Baklasia is another company that will offer Middle-Eastern delicacies to enjoy during the festivities. Owned by Mr Laith Al Heimary, Baklasia will be selling an assortment of baklava freshly made in Singapore, soiree and mamoul, along with other such pastries. Its spokesperson Stephanie Tan told tabla!: "Our products are very popular in Singapore. We offer great value for money. Apart from the baklava, we will also have dips at the fair."

Mrs Cheryl Mukerji, whose company The Gravy Train specialises in Anglo-Indian food, is offering cupcakes with a twist... they have diya motifs on top to keep in sync with the festive mood.

And, finally, once all your shopping's in place, you can tuck into some Indian chaat by On A Roll. Its owner Nidhi Surana says her stall will have items like papri chaat, bhel puri, samosas and lassis, all priced between $2 and $5. "The Diwali Fair is a perfect environment for us to be in. People can come to us to get their fix of authentic Indian chaats and rolls after their shopping," she tells tabla!.

The Diwali Fair will be held at Orchard Parade Hotel, Orchard Road, Singapore on Sept 21 (10am to 7pm) and Sept 22 (10am to 5pm). Admission is free. For more details, go to www.fairsandbazaars.com or call Ms Chumkie Banerji on 6235-3608 or 9737-2384