Noida: Different slots for towers? How condos will keep crowd away at Diwali stalls

NOIDA: Several societies have planned Diwali mela and other events for the coming weekend of October 29-31 and residents have said that community programmes are in demand this time after muted celebrations last year.
Most complexes will set up food stalls and shopping areas and organise rangoli-making, painting, dancing, and similar events for children. According to Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) members, some have planned to make their own diyas and candles this time and residents want to shop from society stalls rather than going to crowded markets.
“Since Covid-related restrictions have been lifted, people want to get together and celebrate. But we are asking residents not to go to crowded areas, follow social distancing norms and wear masks. In housing societies, we have also asked residents to see if towers can be allotted specific slots for celebrations so that the common areas do not get overcrowded,” said Rajiva Singh, president, Noida Federation of Apartment Owners’ Associations (Nofaa).
He added that it seems people are organising small parties this time, instead of bigger events at public places.
“Rather than allowing big brands and event companies, a lot of home-based entrepreneurs are setting up stalls for bakery and other food items and home decorations,” said Singh.
RWA federations are also encouraging people to gather in small groups over a longer period of time. “Many sectors have organised Navratri and Dandiya events but managed to avoid crowding. We are asking RWAs to spread out these events over a longer period of time so that a lot of people do not gather at the same time,” said Yogendra Sharma, president, Federation of Noida RWAs (FONRWA).
He added that many sectors have decided to hold their events for more days and not just on one evening.
Meanwhile, a survey conducted across 10 Indian cities, including Gurgaon, Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Pune, has shown that Noida residents are most keen on shopping online and visiting local stores. It is followed by Hyderabad. According to the “mood of consumer” survey conducted by LocalCircles, a community social media platform, about 72% of Noida households are likely to order online or get provisions delivered from local stores. Around 80% of the people surveyed have said safety and convenience is their top priority while shopping, over other criteria like budget and choice of products (range). “With the risk of Covid, safety has become a top criterion for Noida households when it comes to shopping for festivals this year. Noida seems to be more inclined to order online and from local stores compared to all other cities covered by the survey. The pandemic has changed many habits,” said a spokesperson, LocalCircles.