The early winter air in Delhi carries the familiar scent of clay and celebration. Across the capital, markets are transforming into vibrant hubs of light and colour for Diwali.
Yet, beneath the shimmering surface, a more complex story unfolds. The timeless traditions are meeting modern economic pressures.
In the Scindia Pottery market of Sarojini Nagar, the rhythm of festival preparation is in full swing. Rows of freshly moulded diyas dry in the sun. Artisans paint intricate designs with practised hands.
This is the core of Delhi's Diwali preparations, a scene repeated for generations. The scene in Delhi's markets this Diwali is one of quiet adaptation. The glow of countless diyas continues to symbolise hope and renewal.
Sushil Kumar, a decorator from a family that has been in the trade for three generations, carefully applies a coat of bright red to an earthen lamp. He shares a cautious hope, as cited by TOI. "Sales are steady, but the excitement isn’t what it used to be," he says. He is counting on the typical last-minute rush to bring the season's biggest crowds.
For 77-year-old Suresh Chandra, the festival economy is a lifetime's work. For fifty years, he has bought diyas from Scindia Pottery and sold them at Bengali Market in Connaught Place.
He has witnessed a significant shift in the market's dynamics. He was quoted by TOI as saying that while the GST rate has been reduced, consumer prices have not followed suit.
"Earlier, things were cheaper and people bought freely. GST has come down, but prices haven’t," Chandra observes. He notes that increased costs have led to thinner crowds, describing the current climate as a risk that traders must now navigate. Other markets report a steadier flow of customers. In Lajpat Nagar Market, the festive bustle continues unabated.
A vendor named Ashok, who has worked there for five years, indicated that business is holding its own. He reportedly confirmed that sales are approximately at the same level as the previous year, with weekends being the busiest period.
Despite the economic headwinds affecting traders, the festive spirit appears undimmed for many shoppers. Dipansha, a 29-year-old professional working in Gurgaon, embodies this enduring enthusiasm.
"The excitement for Diwali never really changes," she said, as per TOI. Her family adopts a practical approach, buying basics in Haryana while she completes her shopping in Delhi. While her celebrations no longer include firecrackers, the essence of the festival remains untarnished. "Diwali still feels just as special," she affirms.
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