Ghaziabad residents get ready for day of lights

With less than a week to go for Diwali, markets in Ghaziabad have come alive with decorative items, lights and diyas. A number of stalls are also selling brightly coloured clay idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha.

With less than a week to go for Diwali, city markets have come alive with decorative items, lights and diyas. A number of stalls are also selling brightly coloured clay idols of Goddess Lakshmi and Ganesha.

Markets are buzzing with shoppers busy selecting roof hangings, creative wall decorations and other items. (Sakib Ali/HT Photo)

The markets are buzzing with shoppers busy selecting roof hangings, creative wall decorations and other items.

“While items made of paper may wear out after the festival, the colourful clay items can be used permanently, as a part of the decor. We also have clay wind chimes and these are beautiful pieces of decoration,” said Anmol Kale, a roadside vendor who sells clay items near the Vaishali Metro station.

This year, your regular clay diyas have gone in for a makeover. Vendors are selling diyas sporting intricate designs made using metallic and acrylic paints. Vendors said clay diyas are a must for the traditional Diwali rituals, but buyers also want these diyas to look really unique. An Indirapuram vendor says the painted diyas not only fetch a higher price, but also add uniqueness to the festival.

“According to tradition, we always buy clay diyas but I also make it a point to buy different kinds of diyas and candles to decorate the house. Floating diyas are my favourite despite the fact that they do not stay lit for long. But they do add a charm to the house,” said Neeta Sehgal, a resident of Sector 5, Vasundhara.

As city life leaves no time for residents to learn the complex and delicate art of rangoli, markets are also stocked with artificial rangoli stickers that can be pasted on the floor. Alternatives, like a sieve with patterns embossed on them, are also available in the market to create rangoli designs with colour. Glittering rangoli powder is also gaining popularity.