Worshipping Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha at home is an important part of Diwali celebrations. Consequently, customer visits to shops selling their idols have started increasing.
Markets are offering idols made of clay, brass and other metals. While some customers prefer traditional designs, others are opting for colourful and decorative idols.
Shopkeepers have stocked idols in different sizes and designs to accommodate customers with varying budgets.
Alongside idols, shops are also selling puja plates, earthen lamps, incense sticks and other worship materials. Several families are purchasing puja essentials in advance to avoid the rush in markets on the festival day.
The traditional practice of making and decorating miniature houses, known as gharounda, continues to be observed in Varanasi during Diwali. Children make small houses using clay and other materials and decorate them as part of the celebrations.
To cater to this tradition, shops selling small clay utensils and toys have been set up across the markets. These include miniature elephants, horses, stoves, ceremonial pots and small household utensils.
Children are visiting these shops with their parents. Some are choosing miniature clay stoves for their gharoundas, while others are interested in small horses and elephants.
The sale of these products is also providing work for artisans involved in making clay toys.
Demand for electric decorative lights is also increasing as households prepare to illuminate their homes for Diwali.
Shops are displaying colour-changing LED lights, star-shaped decorative strings and curtain-style hanging lights.
Some customers are purchasing long decorative light strings for balconies and rooftops, while others are choosing smaller lights to decorate entrances and puja areas.
Shopkeepers have stocked different designs and sizes based on customer preferences. Purchases are also being made to decorate commercial establishments, in addition to residential properties.
Customers have also started visiting firecracker shops ahead of Diwali. Products such as sparklers, flower pots and spinning ground wheels are being sought in the markets.
Children are expressing interest in purchasing firecrackers of their choice, while adults are considering prices and safety while selecting products. Customers are also seeking information from shopkeepers about green firecrackers.
People purchasing firecrackers are required to follow local administration regulations and safety instructions.
The tradition of exchanging sweets with relatives and friends during Diwali has also prompted sweet shops to begin their festive preparations.
Shops are displaying sweets such as kaju katli, peda and laddoos, along with boxes of dry fruits. Several shopkeepers have also prepared special gift packs for the festival.
While some customers are purchasing sweets for their families, others are looking for gifts to present to relatives and acquaintances.
Shopping activity has also increased at stores selling fashion jewellery for women, including bangles, earrings and bracelets. Customers are selecting different designs to wear with their new festive clothes.
With Dhanteras and Diwali approaching, shopping activity across Varanasi's markets is expected to increase further. Local traders are preparing to make products available according to customer demand.
