Markets and commercial areas remained busy as families stepped out to purchase festive essentials and decorations. From traditional diyas and Goodudeepas to modern LED lighting and smart-controlled decorative items, shops offered a wide range of products to cater to different tastes and budgets.
The festive shopping rush brought cheer to traders and street vendors, who reported brisk sales as customers prepared to decorate their homes and celebrate the festival of lights.
Innovative diyas and decorative lights attract buyers
Earthen lamps continued to be among the major attractions in the markets, with sellers offering several varieties of traditional and contemporary diyas. Painted lamps and those crafted in distinctive shapes were particularly popular among shoppers looking for decorative options.
Water-sensor diyas, which light up when water is poured, also caught the attention of customers. Scented candles, colourful LED lamps and smart-controlled electric string lights added to the variety of festive lighting available this year.
The range of products reflected changing consumer preferences, with many shoppers combining traditional decorations with modern lighting solutions to brighten their homes.
Flowers and fruits also recorded strong demand as families purchased items for religious rituals and household celebrations. The rush was visible across markets in both coastal districts, with vendors hoping for continued sales during the festive period.
Traditional Goodudeepas remain a major attraction
Goodudeepas, or hanging lanterns, were among the prominent decorative items drawing customers. While traditional paper lanterns continued to find buyers, durable and attractive cloth Goodudeepas have also entered the market.
Specially designed lanterns shaped like a Kalasha, chariot and Tulasi Katte were among the season’s major attractions. Their distinctive designs offered shoppers alternatives to conventional lanterns while retaining familiar cultural and religious motifs.
The variety of Goodudeepas highlighted the continued appeal of traditional decorations during Deepavali, even as newer designs and materials gain popularity.
The large number of shoppers purchasing lamps, lanterns and other decorative products brought smiles to local vendors. For small traders and seasonal sellers, the festival provides an important opportunity to increase sales.
Festive offers drive clothing and electronics sales
The shopping enthusiasm extended beyond traditional festive items, with clothing, electronics, mobile phone and automobile showrooms also witnessing increased customer footfall.
Major retailers announced special Deepavali discounts and promotional offers to attract buyers. Price reductions, cashback schemes, zero-interest equated monthly instalment (EMI) options and free gifts encouraged consumers to make purchases during the festive season.
Customers were seen browsing and buying apparel, household appliances, electronic products and vehicles. The combination of festive demand and promotional schemes added momentum to retail activity across the two districts.
For many families, Deepavali is also an occasion to purchase new clothes and household goods. Retailers have sought to capitalise on this tradition by offering discounts across different product categories.
Sweet shops see a surge in demand
Sweet shops also experienced a significant increase in business as families and individuals purchased traditional delicacies and assorted sweet boxes for Deepavali.
Exchanging sweets with relatives, friends and neighbours remains an integral part of the festival, contributing to the seasonal demand. Merchants reported strong interest in a variety of traditional preparations, including Holige, laddus, different varieties of burfi, Mysore Pak and assorted halwas.
Sweet boxes were among the popular purchases, with customers choosing them for family gatherings and festive gifting. The demand added to the busy atmosphere in commercial areas, where shoppers moved between sweet shops, markets and retail outlets.
Traders welcome festive shopping activity
The strong turnout across Mangaluru and Udupi provided a boost to local vendors, traditional lamp sellers, flower merchants, sweet shops and established retail businesses.
The mix of traditional products and modern festive offerings reflected the changing character of Deepavali shopping in the coastal region. While earthen lamps and Goodudeepas remained central to household decorations, LED lights, smart lighting and promotional retail purchases added a contemporary dimension to the celebrations.
With families completing their festive purchases, traders are hopeful that the shopping momentum will continue through the Deepavali period.