Nagpur: With Diwali just days away, Nagpur’s bustling markets witnessed an exhilarating shopping spree on October 27, the last Sunday before the Festival of Lights. Shoppers flocked to popular hubs like Sitabuldi, Mahal, and Gandhibagh, creating a lively atmosphere filled with the sights, sounds, and scents of Diwali preparations. Residents, eager to secure last-minute purchases, filled their shopping bags with items ranging from traditional attire and electronics to sweets, diyas, firecrackers, and decorations.
Sitabuldi, the shopping heart of Nagpur, was teeming with shoppers navigating its vibrant streets for festive essentials. Gandhibagh, known for its home decor and firecrackers, drew large crowds seeking colourful lights, rangoli powders, and crackers. Mahal, a hotspot for ethnic wear and jewellery, attracted fashion-conscious shoppers, who crowded its narrow lanes to find the perfect attire for Diwali celebrations.
A report by the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) indicates a 20% rise in Diwali shopping across India this year, driven by the festive and election season. A local CAIT survey noted that around 40 lakh residents in Nagpur participate in Diwali shopping, with budgets ranging from Rs 500 to tens of thousands. This year, heightened excitement and spending power have further invigorated the city’s markets, marking a spirited and prosperous Diwali season.