Vendors report dull business in Puducherry ahead of Christmas
Most of them are hoping that business will pick up a bit by Christmas eve.
Puducherry: Puducherry, one of the best places in India to celebrate the spirit of Christmas, has been wearing a festive look as bright stars glitter in different colours in front of many houses, shops and hotels
Though the vendors on Mission Street have filled the pavement with cribs, miniature characters cast in clay and plaster of Paris to attract people to lift up the Christmas spirit they complained that the business has slumped badly this year.
People from different states, countries and religions used to pour into the streets during Christmas, Many people from Puducherry have moved to France and people from neighbouring states have settled down here. Tourists also visit in large number.
But we do not have customers this year, People do not even visit the shops, says Micahel who runs a decoration store on Mission street.
Amudha, who has been putting up makeshift stalls selling clay dolls for the past 30 years in front of the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, said that business has come down heavily.
“We have set of crib dolls ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 4,000. Even foreigners used to buy the product from us to their native places. But this year we do not feel like it is Christmas,” she said.
Artisans from different areas, especially from Cuddalore have thronged Puducherry expecting a good business, Last year demonetisation affected the business. This year not much tourists are visiting the place, she added.
Most of them are hoping that business will pick up a bit by Christmas eve.
On the other hand, bakeries have started doing brisk business where the demand for confectionery has peaked. The white town also wore a real festive look with many buildings beside churches, including the Immaculate Conception Cathedral and the Basilica being illuminated for Christmas as well as the New year.