PIONEER NEWS SERVICE | Dehradun
With a few days left for the Chaitra Navratri to begin, the markets in Dehradun have been appropriately decked up and hordes of devotees are thronging them to purchase pooja and decorative items. This year, Chaitra Navratri is starting on March 30. Local shop-owners said that they have stocked all items in advance and in abundance to meet the buyers’ needs.
The picture is the same-abuzz with activities- at the major markets, including Paltan Bazaar and Hanuman Chowk among others. Departing from previous years’ scenario, the complete pooja thali that contains all the necessary items has become this year a popular choice among the puja shoppers.
Owner of a pooja materials shop, Hari Pandey said that Navratri buying spree is already discernible in the markets. “Many are requesting complete pooja thalis. This is a new trend. However, the demand for individual pooja items is still higher compared to the single packaged thali,” he said.
He said he has been offering Chunni for the idols at prices ranging from Rs five to Rs 5,000. “Sales of pooja items are shooting up as Navratri approaches,” he added.
Owner of a dry fruit shop, Jaggi said that the sale of dry fruits during Chaitra Navratri mounts as many people observe fasting and prefer to consume them. “Customers have already begun purchasing dry fruits for their fasting needs,” he added.
A local, Ankita Singhal said that she always chose to purchase pooja items in advance to avoid the influx of customers ahead of the Navratri. “So, I have already bought all the items required for the festival. However, I will buy fruits for pooja fasting daily during the festive week,” she added.
In addition to the bustling markets, temples are also being decorated and illuminated for the Navratri festival.
