• Ahead of Diwali, markets of Kolkata are all lit up, festive spirit is in air
    Indian Express | 12 November 2023
  • The markets of Kolkata are all lit up ahead of Diwali on Sunday. Thousands of people are thronging the city’s famous markets for shopping.

    Along with Diwali, people in Kolkata also celebrate Kali Puja, one of the main Bengali festivals. The shops on Ezra Street, Pollock Street and Canning Street have been witnessing customers in large numbers flocking to purchase lights. Burrabazar and Chandani Chawk markets are some of the biggest hubs for lights and earthen diyas.

    Diwali is incomplete without shopping for lights in Chandni Chowk. The Chandni market is famous for a variety of colourful lights.

    In Kolkata’s iconic Chandni Chowk, Chinese LED lights are being sold at cheap rates.

    Mohammad Zahir, who runs a lights business with Naseeb Akhtar, told The Indian Express: “Post Covid, we are experiencing a loss in our business. There was a time when our stock used to get finished, and we had to order more from the warehouses, but nowadays, people buy less.”

    Salim Husain, who has a repair shop, pointed out how people come to click pictures, make reels in the market and end up not buying anything.

    “Half of the people come and make reels while using these lights and go. Only a few people visit our shops to purchase something.”

    Various candle holders, lanterns, and fairy lights make this market a must-visit during Diwali. Let’s take a look at what is new this season.

    These diyas are a new addition to Indian households. They need a pinch of water and start glowing, illuminating the whole room. These diyas are cost-effective (Rs 20 per piece) and risk-free.

    These candles replicate the real flame motion and glow. While it lasts for a longer duration of time, it is also available in radiant colours. The ivory drip gives it a realistic and fine finish.

    Although these are just an addition to the list of LED candles dripping ivory, their small size makes them look elegant in the rangoli design.

    These candles have a fine design and are primarily in golden colour. They look beautiful when decorated on the railings of a balcony.

    Like every year, small idols of Lakshmi-Ganesh are in massive demand during the festival season.

  • Link to this news (Indian Express)