Diwali 2016: Shoppers make most of last Sunday

NASHIK: The last weekend before Diwali witnessed heavy footfall at markets across the city. The Main Line Market, Panchwati, Levitt Market in Deolali, and other market places on Nashik Road were full of people buying firecrackers, household items, dry fruits, sweets, idols, diyas, lights and decorations items.
The wholesale market in old Nashik was also flooded with people belonging to all age groups - braving the extremely busy and crowded Kanade Maruti lane, Bhande Lane, Kapad Peth and Ravivar Karanja - shopping for the upcoming festival.According to shopkeepers, the shopping sentiment will continue to rise even after Sunday.
"Being the last weekend before Diwali, more rush can be seen at readymade cloth markets, electronic market and dry fruits and sweet shops. However, after Monday, most of the government servants will be getting salaries and advances as a result of which, the market is set to change gear," said Anil Pagar, owner of a dry fruit shop in Ravivar Karanja.
Buyers were mostly dealing with shops selling traditional Diwali delicacies, dry fruits, gift articles and readymade clothes. "We are celebrating Diwali at our hometown for which we are leaving from Nashik on Thursday. Buying gifts, dry fruits and clothes for everyone at home becomes a must before that. Weekend is the only opportunity for shopping," said Anand Raghunath, who works in a private firm.
Those celebrating Diwali in Nashik, were in search of colourful lights and decorations for their houses. "You can search as many shops as you want on Sundays. I am here to find out latest styles of lights, power saving LED bulbs and the most affordable deals," said Rushikesh Jirapure.
For those interested in firecrackers, an annual firecracker market has been set up at Dongare Hostel ground. More than 80% shops have already started selling firecrackers. "Firecrackers sale will gear up from tomorrow. However, on Sunday, many buyers were seen doing window shopping to know the prices," said Salim Sheikh, office-bearer of firecracker sellers association.
The call for ban on Made in China products was clearly visible as most of the shops had displayed hoardings saying, "We only sell Made in India products". "Many people are particularly asking for made-in-India lights, electronic goods, and decorative articles this year. But, the fact is that Chinese raw material is used everywhere even in items with Made in India tags," said Nitin Patil, owner of an electronic shop. Firecracker traders made it clear that Nashik market has negligible number of Made-in-China firecrackers.
Schools closed for Diwali vacations
Most of the primary, secondary and higher secondary schools in city had their last working day before Diwali on Saturday. Many schools celebrated Diwali on Saturday while some schools have planned Diwali celebrations on Monday which will be followed by a week-long vacation. "Most school run by the state board had their last working day before Diwali on Saturday. CBSE Schools will go on vacation from October 25," said Ravindra Jadhav, a senior official in the education department.
Demand for additional parking in Deolali
Deolali's Levitt Market, which is known as one of the prominent market places in North Maharashtra, is packed to its capacity. On Sunday, there was literally no place available for parking vehicles. "Official parking place available near Levitt Market was insufficient. Additional parking in front of Cantonment School was also full on Sunday," said Bhagwan Kataria, member of Cantonment Board.