Renting versus buying brass for festivals

Large brass items are beautiful but heavy, expensive and need regular polishing. For most families, a three-foot urli or a five-foot kuthuvilakku is used once or twice a year, which is why renting often makes more sense.

When you rent from us, each piece arrives polished, with oil and wicks for lamps, and is collected after the event. You avoid storage, tarnish and the hours of cleaning afterwards.

For pieces you use every day, such as small diyas and a pooja plate, buying is better. Look for solid brass rather than plated, and check the weight; good brass is heavy for its size.

To care for brass at home, wash with mild soap and dry immediately. To remove tarnish, rub with a paste of tamarind or lemon and salt, rinse and dry with a soft cloth. Store away from moisture, wrapped in cotton. Avoid harsh chemical polishes on old or engraved pieces.