PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
With Janmashtami slated to be celebrated on August 15-26, devotees of Krishna in Dehradun flocked to the city’s major markets including Hanuman Chowk, Raja Road and Paltan Bazaar, to prepare for the occasion. The markets are decorated with items for Janmashtami, especially those for Bal Gopal, including flutes (basuris), flowers, clothes for idols and small Bal Gopal idols. Additionally, attractive Krishna and Radha costumes for children are also attracting shoppers in the city.
A shop owner specialising in Pooja items, Jitendra Upadhyay said that the footfall at his store had increased as devotees prepared for Janmashtami. People were purchasing various Pooja items needed for the festivities. Besides Pooja supplies, wooden flutes are also in high demand this year.
Another shop owner who sells decoration items, Yash Chandola stated that he has stocked a variety of dresses for Bal Gopal. In the lead-up to Janmashtami, devotees were buying designer dresses for their Bal Gopal idols and dressing them up daily till the day of Chhathi. He added that accessories such as flutes, crowns and more are also popular. He said that the influence of social media has encouraged parents to dress their children as Krishna during Janmashtami, leading to high demand for Krishna costumes for kids.
Many other shop owners have expressed similar excitement. Additionally, many people have also witnessed buying things for the celebration of Janmashtami. Flower and sweets shop owners have also experienced pre-booking for items related to the celebration. A flower shop owner, Sushant, said that he is fully prepared to sell a variety of flowers for Janmashtami, as people often purchase flowers during celebrations due to their durability. Apart from this, many temples in the city are being adorned with lights and decorations for the celebration of Janmashtami.
