Jaipur: Walled City markets brimmed with festive cheer Friday as residents stepped out to buy gold, silver, utensils, firecrackers, sweets and earthen diyas on Dhanteras. From jewellery showrooms and utensil shops to roadside stalls and traditional sweet shops, the bazaars reflected the festive spirit, with crowds swelling as the day progressed and peaking towards evening.
Firecracker markets in Hawamahal market
Firecracker markets in Hawamahal market
Johari Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Chandpole, Kishanpole Bazaar and Ghee Walon Ka Rasta saw a steady influx of shoppers. Jewellery and utensil shops were particularly busy as people made purchases considered auspicious on the occasion.“Buying any utensil or jewellery on Dhanteras is considered auspicious. I am buying some utensils for my home,” said Rekha Sharma, who was shopping at a store in Kishanpole Bazaar.Firecracker markets in Johari Bazaar, Tripolia Bazaar, Chandpole and near Hawa Mahal also witnessed a last-minute rush. Despite prices being nearly 30% higher than last year, buyers continued to flock to the shops. Youngsters preferred sound-producing crackers such as sutli bombs, bullet bombs and bottle bombs, while families opted for anars, jameen chakkars, sky shots and aerial fireworks.“Customers are visiting shops in large numbers, and the last-minute rush has given business a much-needed push,” said Abdul Saleem, a wholesale firecracker dealer in Johari Bazaar.Sweet shops added to the festive buzz, with Ghee Walon Ka Rasta witnessing long queues, particularly for traditional Moong Thaal.“My father used to buy Moong Thaal from a shop in Ghee Walon Ka Rasta. Now I am buying from the same shops. These shops in the walled city provide pure mithai without adulteration,” said Ramesh Jhalani, a graduation student.Roadside vendors selling earthen diyas also found brisk business, as families picked up lamps to light up their homes for Diwali.Meanwhile, the cooperative firecracker store at Bais Godam drew budget-conscious shoppers with discounts of up to 50% on the maximum retail price.
