GUWAHATI, Sept 28 � The festive fervour has gripped the city that is limping back to normalcy after the recent flood. The spell of the season has at last got activated with improvement in the weather condition as citizens are gearing up to participate in the Durga Puja celebrations.
Marketing is integral to this celebration. On Sunday, citizens from all walks of life thronged the markets, malls and showrooms. The evening in the city transformed into a sea of humanity, the pavements became a display ground for colourful balloons and other toys and the sweetmeat shops had to cater to a large crowd.
Though the joyousness was evident as people prepared to celebrate the Durga Puja with traditional fanfare, there was, however, a hint of uneasiness written on their faces. Still coping with the aftermath of the flood, a section of the citizens expressed that they were praying for good weather so that the joys of the festival are not robbed away.
�The weather has been so unpredictable. I only hope that there is no rain to spoil our merriment,� said Anil Sarma.
With special offers on the festive season on many consumer goods including home furnishings, citizens were on a purchasing spree. For many sprucing up the home and the surrounding is a must to celebrate the auspicious occasion. On the other hand, many made a beeline for the malls that provide a scope to select from different brands under one roof. The variation in the prices offered the citizens a choice to either splurge or hold on tight to the purse strings.
�I have opted for traditional wear as I will be pandal hopping with my relatives and also participating in the rituals,� said Sudritee, a student.
Many have been opting for traditional wear in printed motifs this season. Fusion of traditional patterns with the western also attracted the young generation. Though the prices of the traditional attire like salwars, kurtis, sarees etc of certain brands were very high, some came for Rs 750 and above.
The arterial roads witnessed heavy traffic snarls as the day progressed. With citizens preferring the evening for doing their shopping, the city was choc-a-bloc with people and vehicles. The festive mood of the city was getting reflected everywhere right to the smile of the vendors.
