With Janmashtami drawing nearer, Dehradun is increasingly in the festive mood. Markets are being flooded with variety of items required for the celebration of the festival. Among those in great demand are puja paraphernalia like garlands, idols , swings, flutes and ornaments.
Besides, readymade clothes made of silk are in high demand. Garments for the kids befitting the festival are being sold for prices ranging from `150 to `500.
Garlands of myriad colours made of silk ribbons, metals and stones are on display with the prices ranging from `10 to `300. Tiaras and crowns made up of metals also studded with zircon seem to be fascinating the customers.
Sonu Kumar, a shop owner, said idols of the lord of various sizes are being sold in great number. “The price- range is from `100 to `500. Swings for the lord are priced from `100 to `700. We are happy with the celebratory spirit picking up,” he added.
Another shop owner Amit said the buying spree used to start a week before the festival. “Now it is at its peak. Even the children are thronging the shops to get flutes of their choice. Besides, we are selling CDs of devotional songs,” he said.
“In short, the city is bracing up to celebrate the grand festival in style,” summed up a senior citizen Manoj Juyal who was seen buying idols with his little grandson.