PNS | DEHRADUN
The major markets in the city including Paltan Bazaar, Raja Road and Hanuman Chowk, among others, have been adorned with various items used in the festivities of Lohri and Makar Sankranti. In addition to the market areas, numerous departmental stores are offering special kits for these occasion, providing customers with a convenient all-in-one packaging option. As a result, local residents have flocked the market to complete their shopping for the celebrations.
Notably, in the past, excitement in the major markets was witnessed mainly for festivals like Rakshabandhan and Deepawali. However, over time, enthusiasm for Lohri and Makar Sankranti has also gained traction among the public and in the marketplace now featuring new products such as hampers, kits and Lohri-themed candles, among others. This year, the celebration of Lohri is scheduled for January 13, followed by Makar Sankranti on January 14.
A street vendor of popcorn and other Lohri items near Hanuman Chowk, Chandan Jha said that he set up a small stall at Hanuman Chowk prior to the week of the Lohri celebration. At his stall, he has been offering fresh and warm popcorn, peanuts and other traditional items such as Revadi, which people typically purchase for Lohri festivities. He further said that he has created a package priced at Rs 300 that includes all the essential items required for the Lohri Pooja. He noted that there has been a significant demand for this all-in-one packet for Lohri celebration. Similarly, the owner of a departmental store near Prince Chowk, Piyush Negi stated that he has also prepared for the celebrations of Lohri and Makar Sankranti. He has assembled separate kits specifically for Lohri and Makar Sankranti. The Makar Sankranti kit contains all the necessary ingredients for making khichdi, such as pulses, rice, ghee and spices. In the Lohri kit, he has included items like peanuts, popcorn, Revadi, candles and other traditional products. Both kits are priced at Rs 120 each. There is a growing demand for hampers intended for gifting during the Lohri celebrations, he added.
Numerous departmental stores and markets have been observed offering items for Lohri and Makar Sankranti. In this regard, local resident Shalu Arora stated that the introduction of new kits for Makar Sankranti and Lohri has elicited the interest of residents like herself this year. She said that she has nearly completed her shopping for both festivals and plans to purchase a few additional items at the last minute.
