New Delhi:
Hundreds of shoppers thronged brightly-lit city markets Monday to make purchases on Dhanteras - considered an auspicious occasion to buy things like gold, utensils or household goods ahead of Diwali - leading to massive traffic jams across the city.
Despite it being a weekday, long queues of cars could be seen around many markets as shoppers made last minute purchases.
"The crowds are pouring in by the hour and the market is bursting at the seams. Apart from the Dhanteras shopping, customers are splurging on Diwali-related goods too," Sanjeev Mehra, president of the Khan Market association, told IANS.
However, the strict security measures this year did not allow shopkeepers to display products outside their shops.
"The customers are left disappointed because the products are not displayed in the open," added Mehra.
According to Mohan Kukreja, president of Sarojini Nagar Market Association, the crowds would increase in the evening, especially Tuesday, as many would foray to the market for last-minute Diwali shopping.
"Tomorrow (Tuesday) there will be a huge rush because of Diwali," said Kukreja.
Candles,
diyas, incense sticks and statues of lord Ganesha and Goddess Laxmi were selling like hot cakes as on Dhanteras, many households perform 'Laxmi Puja' in the evenings.
"I have bought a gold chain, some steel glasses on Dhanteras. I hope Goddess Laxmi will bless us with prosperity and wealth," said 52-year-old home maker Sujata Bansal.
Meanwhile, there were some shopkeepers who admitted that there was rush in the markets but that did not necessarily convert into greater sales.
"The markets are full but the sales have dropped by around 25 percent compared to last year because people are scared to venture out due to terror threats," said S.K. Bakshi, president of Lajpat Nagar Market Association.
"We are expecting the crowds to increase," he added.