Market areas abuzz as Hubballi-Dharwad get decked up for Deepavali

DHARWAD: The people of Dharwad who had to forgo a series of festivals due to the Covid-19 pandemic and heavy rains for two years, are trying to leave behind bitter memories and have geared up for the festival of lights. The three-day festival began on Sunday evening with the worship of water containers.
According to some almanacs, the ‘Amavasya’ begins on Monday evening and people, particularly businessmen are performing Laxmi Pooja on Monday itself as the solar eclipse is on Tuesday. The Deepavali Padya falls on Wednesday.

The rise in prices of essential commodities notwithstanding, the markets in Dharwad is wearing a festive look and are witnessing brisk business. People cutting across age and gender barriers are thronging the markets for Deepavali shopping.
Subhas Road and Tikare Road which are hubs of commercial activities, are wearing a colourful look with sky lamps of various designs, shapes and sizes.
People are going out of their way to splurge themselves and their loved ones as it is associated with prosperity. This tradition of shopping and exchanging gifts has been harnessed by marketers today. Most manufacturers and suppliers have launched their products and are offering discount schemes to attract the people.
The sweet marts are doing brisk business as it has been a tradition of gifting sweets, dry fruits and chocolates. The shopkeepers are selling sweets in stylish hampers and fancy Deepavali packing. Housewives who were preparing traditional north Karnataka delicacies like Undi, Chakkuli, Avalakki, Karchikai and Chiwda for Deepavali, are now finding it easy to buy them from caterers who are known to make and sell these homely food items.
The district administration has imposed a restriction on bursting of crackers. Those concerned about increasing air and noise pollution have decided not to burst crackers. However, they are having difficulty convincing children about the ill-effects of burning crackers.