PUNE: Ahead of Diwali on Thursday, Puneites were seen shopping on Laxmi Road and other areas despite the light rain. However, shopkeepers said that the purchasing power has reduced which reflects in the dull mood for Diwali.
Speaking to Sakal Times, Omkar Shinde from Atharva Fireworks said that they have fireworks for Diwali but there is nothing new to offer.
“There is always a demand for fireworks but in the last few days due to continuous rainfall, the demand has been less this year. Only small firecrackers like sparkler stick have been sold so far,” said Shinde.
Speaking about any new firecrackers this year, Shinde said that the stock is nothing new. “We try to get new kind of firecrackers but this time, there is no new variety of firecrackers,” said Shinde. Similar dampness was seen among shopkeepers on Laxmi Road.
Usha Waghmare, owner of Sugandhi shop at Laxmi Road, said that this is the worst Diwali that she has come across in the past 50 years.
“This is the first time when there is still raining due to which there are very less or sometimes no customers at all,” said Waghmare.
Echoing similar sentiments, Radha Pawar, owner of Pawar Sugandhi shop at Laxmi Road said that due to rains, there are no customers.
“Also the decorative stuff which is made up of flowers like garlands, gajra, home decor are all badly damaged due to the rain,” said Pawar.
Hatim Rajkotwala, the owner of Bombaywala Stores, said that this time, the business is very less.
“The rains in the festive season of Diwali can be seen for the first time and half of the customers are attracted towards online shopping. Previously, people use to buy only at the time of Diwali with enthusiasm but now they can simply buy online anywhere and anytime,” said Rajkotwala.
