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Rain fails to deter Dhanteras splurge
SPLURGING ON Dhanteras has become the latest fad as was witnessed on Thursday. Innumerable options available were yet another excuse to go on the shopping spree. Although heavy rains lashed the city in the afternoon, the spirit was not dulled and shopkeepers churned huge profits. Markets were flooded with attractive commodities and denizens were seen hopping from shop to shop to make the best bargain.
SPLURGING ON Dhanteras has become the latest fad as was witnessed on Thursday. Innumerable options available were yet another excuse to go on the shopping spree.
Although heavy rains lashed the city in the afternoon, the spirit was not dulled and shopkeepers churned huge profits.
Markets were flooded with attractive commodities and denizens were seen hopping from shop to shop to make the best bargain.
Shimmer of gold and silver jewellery was, however, no match to other items. Branded jewellery was preferred over the traditional one.
The opening of showrooms of Tanishq and availability of other branded jewellery at most of the local jewellers made the things easier for the people. Gold and silver coins were in high demand. Gold and silver idols of Lakshmi and Ganesh also attracted a sizeable number of buyers.
Electronic items equipped with latest technologies were next on the list of shopping. From mixture-grinders to washing machines, from OTGs to other luxury items such as televisions and refrigerators, shoppers luxuriated in their ability to afford them.
Innumerable schemes and discounts, easy finance with zero per cent interest on some items lured the people. And also attractive display at the shopping counters was another factor, which made people turn up in huge numbers at the shops.
A few people found the day an auspicious one to spend on automobiles.
The sale of cars, motorcycles and scooters also went up today.
Easy instalment schemes and also insurance schemes offered by the dealers were reasons enough to buy them. Chevrolet, Ford and other brands are now easily available in the city.
However, the utensil shops remained most crowded today. Markets had a festive look and none of the shops was left undecorated. However, a few denizens held distinct opinion regarding the shopping fad. "It is just a mad rush and nothing else. From a simple festive occasion, Dhanteras has been absolutely commercialised by the businessmen in their own interest," said Dr K Tiwari.
"It is unfortunate that people have started taking this festival more as a moment to indulge in shopping rather than understanding its significance.
I feel that very few know the reason of its celebration and still fewer know the rituals associated with it as now these issues have taken a back seat," said Madhu Panned, a housewife. "There is no doubt that Dhanteras has become a grand festival. And in times to come it will still gain a more splendid look in terms of our progress towards commercialisation," added Varun, a shopkeeper.
