On the eve of Diwali, city residents thronged markets in large numbers forgetting all covid norms. Majority of markets witnessed a huge rush of shoppers, who were out to purchase gifts, sweets, crackers, flowers, cloths and other items to celebrate Diwali. People have already purchased gold and silver ornaments on Dhanteras, so much rush was seen at readymade garment shops, home appliances, lanterns, sweets, flower and firecracker shops.

 

At the time, when people were seen rushing towards the cracker and sweet shops for their last-minute shopping, huge rush was also witnessed outside flower shops in the city. People were seen jostling each other at flower, firecracker and sweet shops to buy items.

 

Lotus which is considered to be the main ingredient of Laxmi puja was on high demand and people were jostling each other in the market to have one. People perform Laxmi Puja on Diwali night to invite Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth, to their homes. Since Goddess stands on lotus flower while showering coins on the same, so it is considered auspicious to perform puja with lotus flowers.

 

Markets, including Indira Market, Supela Bazaar, Jawahar Market Power House, Sector-6 ‘A’ Market, Civic Center, Ruabandha Market and other markets in various parts of Durg-Bhilai saw heavy inflow of shoppers.

All shops were beautifully decorated with lights for the festival. The traffic policemen were also deployed outside busy markets. Traffic moved at snail’s pace at many places as usual like on Dhanteras.