The people in large number thronged important markets in the city on Tuesday on the occasion of Dhanteras to buy items like gold, sweets, fire crackers, diyas, electric lights and others meant for the Deepawali festival slated on Thursday. Goddess lakshmi, the bestower of wealth, being worshipped on Dhanteras, the people believe that purchase of metal items be it gold, silver or brass on the auspicious occasion brings lakshmi at their homes, meaning good fortunes.
People in their droves flocked to the shops that sell jewellery, utensils and electronic items aside from those that sell gifts, diyas and candles.
Shopkeepers looked exulted, finding the steady flow of buyers flocking their shops. However, some of them expressed disappointment as they could not earn according to their expectations this year like the previous years. Meanwhile, with hardly two days left for Deepawali, the city has worn a festive look with the shops and markets being gaudily illuminated to mark the festival of lights.
Gaurav, owner of a candle shop, Paltan Bazaar said that the sale of candles was more than that of last year following boycott of Chinese fancy lights.
“This is our family business, albeit a seasonal one. Eight members of our family have remained involved in the business over the past 30 years. There is a myriad kind of candles like flouting candle, Jel candle, aroma candle, heart- shaped candle, fruit candle, T-light candle aside from earthen diyas. These all are available in the shop. The cost of making such candles varies from Rs 20 to Rs 400. We have also kept candles priced Rs 10 for the customers who are not inclined to go for costly ones,” he said.
Abhinas, a diya seller trading from Chakrata Road, said that sale of diyas peaks during the Deepawali festival. “A packet of 25 small diyas is being sold for Rs 20. However, the bigger ones are costlier,” he said.
Urmila, a buyer at a jewellery shop at Paltan Bazar, said that she had purchase gold-made idols of lord Ganesha and Goddess lakshmi on the occasion of Dhanteras.
Anil, resident of Raipur, said that he has purchased electronic items like DVD player and solar lamp from the market on Dhanteras.
Anuradha Bisht said, “With this belief that one should purchase metal items on this pious occasion, I purchased a steel glass from Karnapur. I could not have afforded more, given my financial condition.”