Sunday, 15 October 2023 | PNS | DEHRADUN
With Navratri starting on Sunday, the markets in Dehradun have been adorned with decorations and devotees are thronging the market to purchase essential puja items. The nine-day festive period of Navratri will start on October 15 and continue till October 23. The main market in the city, Paltan Bazaar is being visited by a considerable number of people shopping for Navratri. According to shopkeepers, people have started visiting shops to buy puja items essential for rituals during the nine-day period.
Local resident Uma Chakrvarti said that she celebrates Navratri with enthusiasm every year. However, instead of shopping for Navratri items from local markets, she prefers to visit the main marketplace. The price of Navratri items at the market is comparatively reasonable than those available at local shops, she added.
Another local resident Varsha Prasad said, “The phenomenon of Navratri shopping exhibits distinct characteristics in various aspects. Additionally, the market is adorned with captivating merchandise which entices customers to purchase all Navratri items available. This year, the decorative items for Navratri such as chunni, pots and other artifacts have been noticeably enhanced compared to past years.”
Navratri decorative items retailer Ramesh Gupta said that every year he showcases decorative items in his shop during Navratri. The first day of Navratri witnesses a higher influx of people compared to the remaining eight days. Further, people believe that during Navratri acquiring new items and possessions is considered auspicious, he said.
He further emphasised that the presence of devotees during Navratri increases the traffic in the market. So, it is imperative for the traffic police to devise appropriate arrangements to address this issue, he added.
