Ahead of Diwali, markets across Mangaluru and Udupi witnessed a massive rush on Saturday as people thronged to buy flowers, fruits, diyas, earthen lamps, Goodudeepas, lanterns, and colourful decorative lights.
The huge turnout of shoppers buying decorative items has brought smiles to the faces of local vendors.
To attract customers, the markets are flooded with innovative diyas, including painted ones and those in unique shapes.
Water-sensor diyas that light up when water is poured, scented candles, colourful LED lights and smart-controlled electric string lights are seeing brisk sales.
Goodudeepas in new shapes and materials
For home decoration, beautiful and durable cloth Goodudeepas have hit the market alongside traditional paper ones.
Specially crafted Goodudeepas shaped like a Kalasha, chariot and Tulasi Katte are the major attractions this season.
Shoppers were seen choosing from a wide range of decorative items for their homes.
The variety on offer has added to the festive mood in the markets.
Discounts fuel shopping for appliances and vehicles
Festive discounts and special offers announced by major clothing, electronics, mobile and automobile showrooms have further fuelled the shopping frenzy.
Tempted by massive price cuts, cashback offers, zero-interest EMIs and free gifts, consumers were seen purchasing new home appliances, vehicles and apparel.
The offers have drawn large crowds to showrooms across both cities.
Sweet shops see unprecedented demand
The demand for sweets has also skyrocketed, as exchanging sweet boxes is an integral part of the Diwali tradition.
Sweet merchants noted an unprecedented demand for traditional delicacies such as Holige, laddus, various types of burfis, Mysore Pak and assorted halwas.
