Festive fervour in Ludhiana markets mark Dhanteras, Diwali shopping

With Diwali and Dhanteras just around the corner, the city markets are teeming with festive fervour. From sweets and diyas to jewellery, crockery and electronic products, residents are out in large numbers to shop for the occasion. The markets have been beautifully decorated, adding to the festive spirit, while shopkeepers are busy attending to the heavy rush of customers.

“This is the best time of the year for us. Customers don’t mind spending to get what they like,” said a shopkeeper at Bhadaur House, smiling as he attended to buyers, who were purchasing the suit material at wholesale rates. Sweet shops are witnessing brisk sales as residents stock up on traditional delicacies for puja ceremonies on Dhanteras. To attract customers, many sweet shop owners have introduced new varieties in festive packaging.

Crockery stores too are doing brisk business. Rahul, a salesman at a leading store in Ghumar Mandi, said the festive rush keeps them on their toes till late at night. “At times, it becomes difficult to handle the crowd. The owners make arrangements for lunch, evening tea and snacks for the staff right at the shop. Customers are picking up everything from small pans to chimneys, microwaves and premium dinner sets,” he shared.

At Dandi, Swami Puran, a grocery shop owner, reported a surge in orders for dry coriander seeds and brooms — items traditionally believed to bring prosperity when bought on Dhanteras.

Meanwhile, jewellers are also upbeat despite soaring gold and silver prices. “The rates may have touched the skies, but customers haven’t stopped purchasing. The quantity may have reduced according to individual budgets, but buying continues. We’ve received advance orders for silver coins and bricks to be delivered tomorrow,” said a jeweller at Sarafa Bazaar.

As the festival of lights approaches, the bustling markets in the city reflect the excitement, faith and prosperity that Diwali brings each year.