Madurai: Diwali shoppers throng Masi Streets

MADURAI: It is still only early days in the run-up to Diwali festival. However, shoppers have started thronging the Masi Streets, which is the hub of textile showrooms in Madurai city.
Despite rain in the early hours of Sunday, people started trickling in by around noon for shopping on South Masi Street and West Masi Street. A number of temporary roadside vendors, who come from sub-urban areas of Madurai or neighbouring districts, also set up shop in the areas for ‘Diwali’ special business.

Crowds increased in volume by evening. “My sister and I wanted to come early before Diwali so that there are less crowds in shops. We come from Sellur. Since the volume of vehicles increases every year, traffic congestion gets worse,” said S Rajarajeshwari, a shopper.
Many shoppers were left thirsty due to the crowd and humid weather and had to rely on bottled water from grocery shops and hotels.
“It would be helpful for shoppers if drinking water and mobile toilets are kept in several spots in the shopping areas. Women, especially elderly and those with children suffer a lot due to lack of access to toilets since they spend several hours in shops,” said K Veena, another shopper.
Madurai city traffic police were stationed at several spots on the Masi Streets to prevent congestion.
“As of now, we are only cordoning off four-wheelers at a few spots as and when necessary for a few hours to prevent congestion. We are also urging people to walk instead of using two-wheelers, especially when crowds are more. We will make a detailed plan after a meeting and tighten regulatory and enforcement measures by October 15,” said S Arumugasamy, deputy commissioner of police (Traffic), Madurai city.