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Barbie released its first-ever Diwali doll on Friday (Oct. 4) in collaboration with Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre. The Barbie Diwali doll commemorates the annual celebration popular in Indian culture and known as the festival of lights (the word Diwali means “row of lights” in Hindi).
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Barbie’s Diwali doll ($40) is dressed in a festive, Moonlight Bloom set with a choli top, floral Koti vest and lehenga skirt adorned with dahlias, jasmine and Indian lotus symbolizing strength and beauty, according to a press release sent to Billboard. The doll accessorizes with golden bangles and shimmering earrings.
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Barbie Diwali Doll by Anita Dongre Wearing Festival of Lights Look
“In celebration of Diwali, Barbie and I are both encouraging fans around the world to celebrate the beautiful heritage of Indian fashion and culture,” Dongre said in a statement. “My brand has always been driven by a mission to empower through fashion, and as the ultimate symbol of women empowerment, partnering with Barbie to create the Barbie Diwali doll couldn’t be a more perfect alignment of our values.”
“We are dedicated to reflecting the stories young girls see in the world around them through Barbie, and we couldn’t be more honored to partner with renowned Indian couturier Anita Dongre to create a doll that furthers this mission,” said Lalit Agarwal, country manager, Mattel India. “Through the Barbie Diwali doll, Barbie is thrilled to showcase India’s vibrant cultural heritage on a global stage while continuing to celebrate the power and beauty of diversity.”
Diwali is one of the biggest Hindu celebrations, held in India and other countries around the globe including the U.S. This year, Diwali will be celebrated on Oct. 31-Nov. 1, however Diwali celebrations have been known to last for multiple days.
Barbie’s Diwali doll will be released on Dec. 13. The doll is up for pre-order at Amazon and Mattel Shop and will also be available at Walmart and Target.
For more Barbies and Barbie merch, check out the Juan Gabriel Barbie Doll along with other musician-inspired Barbies and the Barbie x Stanley collection.
