A shop selling colourful skylamps at a market in Belagavi
Marigold garlands were priced at ₹150, while banana stalk sets sold for ₹600-800 and sugarcane bundles for ₹60-80. Sugarcane vendor Renukamma Savadatti said bundles of five stalks were selling for ₹70-90 and demand remained healthy despite bargaining. Clothing stores also reported heavy footfall, while demand for gold, two-wheelers and cars picked up ahead of the festival. Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news.
People from various places are buying flowers for puja, and we expect good earnings,” said trader Sanawulah Bepari. Police said the administration has relaxed market operating hours to facilitate festive shopping. Belagavi : Deepavali preparations are in full swing across Belagavi, with festive markets witnessing brisk business despite rising prices of essential commodities. Milk, rice, pulses, sugar, edible oil and other household items have become costlier this season, while higher bus fares have added to consumers’ expenses. Yet, residents are shopping enthusiastically for the five-day festival. Markets are packed with buyers, while colourful decorations, lanterns, sweets and festive merchandise have added to the celebratory atmosphere. As families prepare to light lamps for five days, sales of earthen diyas, decorative lights and akasha deepas (sky lanterns) have been brisk. Market hubs such as Ganapati Galli, Maruti Galli, Ravivar Peth, Khade Bazaar and Pangul Galli were packed with shoppers from both urban and rural areas. There was strong demand for decorative items, rangoli powders, puja materials and designer sky lanterns. Business was equally brisk on Old PB Road, Kakati Road and the approach road to Kapileshwar Temple in Shahapur, where vendors sold sugarcane, flowers, fruits and banana stalks. Women’s self-help groups are recording strong sales of traditional snacks and festive delicacies. Download the TOI App.
“Business is better this year compared to last year. Shoppers thronged Belagavi’s market areas on Saturday ahead of Deepavali, which began with Dhana Trayodashi on Friday. Naraka Chaturdashi will be observed on Sunday, followed by Deepavali Amavasya on Monday and Deepavali Padya on Tuesday. With all routes leading to the markets open, major traffic junctions witnessed heavy congestion on Saturday.