(NewsNation) — For the first time, the parent company of Barbie released a Diwali-themed doll to recognize the upcoming Hindu holiday — and sold out online in less than 24 hours.
Mattel Creations collaborated with Indian fashion designer Anita Dongre to release the doll four weeks before Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, which is celebrated Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. It symbolizes the spiritual victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
The toy company described the doll as “perfectly radiant in her Moonlight Bloom set, with a choli top and skirt lush with dahlias, jasmines, and an Indian lotus representing strength and beauty.”
The $40 doll, which was released Oct. 3, sold out on Mattel’s website by the next day. Sales were exclusive to Barbie Signature members.
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A doll stand and certificate of authenticity are included with the doll, which is dressed in a lehenga, a traditional Indian garment consisting of a long skirt, blouse and shawl or scarf. The outfit was co-designed by Edna Vogel-Amezcua. The Diwali doll also sports golden bangles and earrings.
Target and Walmart also carried the doll in stores at select locations and online, according to Mattel, along with Amazon. There were no listings on target.com or amazon.com as of publication. The “doll “holiday collectible” is marked as “sold out” on walmart.com.
Barbie has released a series of holiday dolls from various cultures, including a 2024 Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) one. The holiday is celebrated mostly in Mexico and Latin American countries on Nov. 1-2 to honor the memory of deceased loved ones
