The countdown has begun for the festival of lights. Whole city is having a festive look as people throng in large numbers to purchase resplendent embellishments for their homes for this Diwali.
Small vendors to malls, the commercial establishments are all abuzz. The markets and malls of the city are busy selling various articles for home decoration. Every street in the city is flooded with unique designs of Diyas, colorful lanterns and eco-friendly Rangoli colours.
Gagan Sharma, a wholesaler at Pacca Danga said “Diyas are handmade Pooja accessory and is an integral part of Diwali decoration. When Lord Rama returned from exile, the whole of Ayodhya city was lighted with Diyas made of clay. This is one of biggest reason why Diwali is called the festival of lights and this festive season a huge variety of Diyas are available in the market. The range starts from Rs 25 to 500. There are also beautiful scented Diyas available. Moreover, floating candles are the main attraction this season.”
Another wholesaler, Pawan Kumar said, “Apart from various types of Diyas, sky lanterns, decorative lights and various aromatic and non-aromatic candles are also popular Diwali shopping products this season. Lantern is also one of the most important constituent of Diwali shopping whereas Rangoli colours, which precede sculpture and painting, are also in huge demand.”
Since, gifting Mithai during festivals had always been a tradition in our State and during this keeping in view of the sub-standard sweets, baked cookies, sugar free chocolates and dry fruit are the flavours and the sellers are upbeat over the rising demand for these products.
“Ahead of the festival of Diwali, the demand for chocolates has increased by 35 per cent more than last year due to rising awareness about adulterated milk products and high-priced traditional sweets,” said Subash Jain, a general store owner.
“Now a days, customer preferences are clearly changing and this is clear from the changing trends in giving gifts. People now demand more of dry fruits than sweets; shopkeepers have to keep those items which are in demand. This season people are demanding more of the bakery products and sugar free chocolate packs,” said Surinder Mahajan, a bakery owner.
Suman Sharma, a homemaker shared, “I love Diwali and have made almost all the preprations. T-lites or small wax candles that are encased in metal holders are my all time favourite as they are economical, unbreakable and do not require oil. But, the T-lite holder is the highlight of the season, as these make a world of difference to your decor. From votives and hanging glass lanterns to multiple screen T-lite holders, the options are truly exotic. Floating T-lites amidst flowers in simple glassware makes a great decorative piece and adds a traditional touch to the ambience.”
“I think the festive decoration is incomplete without string lights and the options are countless, be it in colour, length or pattern. I would go for the regular LED lights or choose from colourful bamboo, floral or fruit shaped string lights or even self adhesive LED strips. Actually, am confused as I want to decorate my home beautifully and economically too,” said Ruhani Gupta.
Everyone has its own style and wants to celebrate Diwali beautifully. But one thing which we like to share this Diwali is; even as we light the natural elements of land, water, air and sky, let’s also remember to save energy and protect Mother Earth from pollution which is the need of the hour. Have a sparkling Diwali!
Malu Kerni
