As Diwali preparations shift into top gear, Dwarka markets are chock-a-bloc with last-minute shoppers. To deal with the swelling crowds, the administration gets busy with efforts to make the festival safe for the residents. City Spidey brings you the latest from the festival-bound city.
Administration
To improve security at marketplaces, the police has increased personnel in crowded areas and set up barricades near markets and other areas. It has tightened its vigil to check illegal sale of crackers in markets at sectors 6 and 10, Ramphal Chowk and Aashirvad Chowk. According to sources, the number of police personnel has been doubled and PCRs are set to patrol more frequently.
To keep the markets chaos-free, internal parking has been improved and specific parking directives have been handed out.
The DDA electricity department, the municipal corporation and the BSES are sprucing up the sub-city's electrical infrastructure. According to officials, all defunct electrical poles have been made functional and new fittings have been installed.
“Besides our routine work, we are taking prompt action on complaints to our helplines," says a BSES official on condition of anonymity. "Feeder boxes are being repaired. In sectors such as 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17 and 19, maintenance work has been completed. The pending work is expected to be completed by Diwali. For any immediate action, residents can contact us at 39999707.”
Market buzz
As it is with every year, dry fruits and laddus are in great demand. People are lapping up readymade rangolis, bandarwar malas, designer candles and thalis. Shopkeepers feel that small, not-so-expensive bric-a-bracs are more in demand. Ram Kumar, a shopkeeper, says, “Readymade rangolis and artificial paper flowers in coloured flowerpots are selling like hot cakes. They can cost anything between Rs 20 and Rs 800, while readymade rangolis can be had for Rs 40-Rs 60.”
Another shopkeeper, Vikram Kumar, said decorated thalis, costing between Rs 250 and Rs 1,200, are selling well too.
“This year, bandarwar malas, with their intricate traditional Rajasthani art, are a favourite among customers. People like the handwork — mostly fashioned in threads, stones, beads and zari. They can be bought for Rs 50 to Rs 700,” said a stall owner.
Statues of Laxmi-Ganesh made of white-and-pink marble, hanging diyas and floating candles are top picks for shoppers. A candle seller, MK Singh, says, “Last year, gel candles and Chinese candles were in demand, but this time people want handmade Indian candles and diyas. They are not too keen on buying Chinese lights. We are selling candles for Rs 20 to Rs 150.”
Yet another hit this year are wooden heart-shaped baskets, available for Rs 150-Rs 200, ideal for holding puja items — and great as gifts too.
