City markets record low footfall ahead of Vishwakarma Puja

Guwahati: While the excitement of Vishwakarma Puja swept across the city, the anticipated turnout at the usually bustling markets in the city was low on Sunday.

Footfall was low as as many were occupied with the Assam Direct Recruitment Exams. Weekly markets also saw reduced activity due to the exam. Despite this, sellers are hopeful to see an increase in sales starting Monday.

Shopkeepers in areas like Ganeshguri, Fancy Bazar, Paltan Bazar, and Silpukhuri have stocked up their stores with colourful garlands of various sizes from markets in Delhi and Kolkata.

Vivek Khater, who owns a shop in Fancy Bazar, opened his shop early in the morning with high expectations. However, he witnesses sluggish sales. “The sales are going very slow and so far we have only got a couple of customers,” Khater said.

Khater also highlighted the increasing competition in the market, with new shops selling similar items, as a factor contributing to the slow sales. However, he is expecting better sales over the next few days. “There is still one more day left before the festival, so I hope our sales will pick up the pace,” he added.

In Maligaon’s Pandu locality, people were seen gathering outside automobile repair shop to get their vehicles serviced and repaired ahead of the celebrations. Automobile repair shops, vehicle showrooms, garages, and other business establishments were cleaned and decorated in preparation for Vishwakarma Puja.

The festival is celebrated with grandeur every year. Artisans, who are working tirelessly to prepare the idols, have highlighted a positive trend in their business, receiving orders in bulk this year. Saumir Das, an idol maker from the Fatasil Ambari locality, shared his experience.

“This year we have received orders for 50 idols, each priced between Rs 2000 to Rs 12,000. Last year, I had only received orders for 25 idols. Earlier, people used to buy photo frames to celebrate, which would be bad for my business, but now they have shifted back to idols,” Das said.

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