Mattel has unveiled its first Diwali Barbie doll, which the company says is part of its “effort to promote the celebration of tradition.”
The doll iswas announced onFriday is a collaboration with Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre.
Diwali, the five-day Hindu festival of lights, is attended by more than one billion people around the world. The festival is celebrated on November 1st.
Dongre said in a statement that Barbie was created to “encourage fans around the world to celebrate the beautiful heritage of Indian fashion and culture.”
The $40 doll comes with a “Moonlight Bloom set featuring a choli top, floral koti vest, and lehenga skirt adorned with dahlias, jasmine, and Indian lotuses, symbols of strength and beauty.” Mattel said. “Golden bangles and sparkling earrings complete the look, reflecting the bright lights of the festival.”
“Through Barbie, we are committed to reflecting the stories young girls see in the world around them,” Mattel India's Lalit Agarwal said in a news release.
“Through our Diwali dolls, Barbie is excited to continue celebrating the power and beauty of diversity while showcasing India's vibrant cultural heritage on the world stage,” said Agarwal.
In recent years, Mattel has released dolls with Down syndrome, as well as models based on civil rights icon Rosa Parks, astronaut Sally Ride, Olympic figure skater Christy Yamaguchi, and Cherokee chief Wilma Mankiller. and dolls inspired by Anna May Wong to mark Asians. American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
