Shimla markets abuzz with Dhanteras festivities as crowds flock for shopping

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 29 : Dhanteras festivities brought a vibrant buzz to Shimla's markets on Tuesday, as people prepared for the Diwali season. The capital city of Himachal Pradesh saw lively activity, with residents shopping for a range of items, from traditional utensils to gold jewelery.

Deepaali Mehta, a local resident, shared her excitement, saying, "On the festival of Dhanteras, which is celebrated just two days before Diwali, we go out to shop in the markets. Azam has come to shop for Dhanteras. We have come to buy different types of utensils. Some people also buy gold."
Emphasising the significance of Dhanteras, she said, "Today, two days before Diwali, we celebrate it with great pomp and show, and today there are a lot of crowds in the market. It is a matter of great pride for India. We want that every year the Dhanteras festival should be celebrated in this way."
Speaking on environmental awareness, Mehta said, "For Diwali, I will also appeal that pollution should not be spread much, Diwali should be celebrated well, lighting should be done, and Diwali should be celebrated with happiness. A lot is going on online, but whatever we see in the shop, we can also do the installment bidding and can also get knowledge of the product."
Shopkeepers, too, expressed mixed sentiments. Sunny Yadav, a local retailer, welcomed the increase in foot traffic but voiced concerns over the impact of online shopping, noting, "Although I am happy with the shopping being done by people on Dhanteras on the occasion of Diwali, I am not happy with the increasing trend of online shopping."
Yadav encouraged locals to visit physical stores, adding, "I would advise people to go to the shop and buy things themselves."
Another shopkeeper Neeraj Goyal who owns a utensil shop, said, "There is a huge crowd at my utensils shop on Dhanteras before Diwali. We have variety, but there is some problem due to online shopping."
He noted that while business is active, online competition has dampened sales compared to last year. "I would advise that you can come here and check the quality yourself," he added.
The jewelery sector, however, has been thriving. Local jeweller Akshay Verma, who supplies jewelery across Himachal Pradesh, stated that special offers and discounts for Diwali and Dhanteras have attracted many customers.
"On this occasion of Diwali and Dhanteras, we have given different offers, and people are buying heavily," Verma said.
In a bid to enhance the shopping experience, Verma's store has organized a celebration for Shimla customers, with events and special discounts. "The people of Shimla are giving us a lot of love, and a special event has been organized for them on the occasion of Dhanteras, in which special offers have also been made," he said.
Diwali is one of the most significant festivals in India and around the world. This vibrant festival, known as the Festival of Lights, signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. As families prepare for the festivities, homes will be adorned with colourful rangoli patterns, illuminated with diyas and fairy lights.
The celebrations typically involve performing prayers to Goddess Lakshmi for prosperity, sharing delicious sweets and snacks, and exchanging gifts with loved ones. Fireworks will light up the night sky, creating a dazzling display that adds to the joyful atmosphere. Diwali 2024 promises to be a time of togetherness, reflection, and celebration, fostering a spirit of unity and hope for the year ahead.