Traffic jams, crowded markets bring in Diwali mood

Hyderabad:Two days ahead of Diwali, Hyderabad was soaked in festival spirit on Tuesday. Shoppers caused traffic jams at major markets, while flower vendors saw brisk sales. Shops were decked out in preparation for Wednesday's festivities.

Major marketplaces displayed seasonal goods, and temporary stalls appeared for holiday shopping. Badi Chowdi, Ramkoti, Chikkadpally, Dilsukhnagar, General Bazaar in Secunderabad, and various old city markets saw a surge in evening shoppers as the festival drew closer.

On Wednesday, Dhanteras was celebrated, a day when purchasing gold and silver is considered to bring good luck. Jewellers decorated their shops.

Suman Kumar, a jewellery shop owner, said, “We have loyal clients who make sure to buy something on this day. We also offer special gifts to our customers.”

Flower markets and retail shops were bustling, despite high prices, due to the festival. Many makeshift shops appeared in neighbourhoods to meet demand. Marigold flowers, which sold for `200 per kg in the morning, were down to `100 by evening.

Ravi Kumar, a wholesaler at Gudimalkapur market, noted, “For these three days, flowers, especially marigolds, are in high demand. This flower, which is around `200 now, sells for `20-40 a kg in the off-season.”

Consumers expressed their frustration over price hikes during the festive season, as these items are essential for rituals.

Firecracker prices also rose by up to seven per cent compared to previous years. Simple packs of sparklers now cost between `30 and `185, flowerpot packs range from `85 to `850, and pencils and twinklers cost between `60 and `570.

Ramanlal Gandhi, who has been selling firecrackers near Bogulkunta for the past 50 years, said, “There’s a slight increase in prices as the cost of raw materials has gone up. This festival comes only once a year, and families enjoy celebrating with firecracker displays.”