KUALA LUMPUR - Little India in Brickfields is bustling with shoppers ahead of Deepavali on Nov 8, lifting the celebratory mood and raising traders' hopes of stronger sales this weekend.
A Bernama survey of the popular shopping enclave found an array of goods for the Festival of Light, from traditional clothing and footwear to accessories and sweets, drawing crowds keen to complete their preparations early.
Footwear and accessories trader Vishan Daren, 30, said recent rain had reduced footfall and hurt his sales.
However, shoppers buying festive essentials picked up today, and he expects more customers on Saturday and Sunday.
"Higher prices compared with last year are among the challenges traders face, but we are still offering promotions to attract customers," he said when met here today.
Meanwhile, Usha, 52, who has worked at traditional clothing shop Maharaja for nearly seven years, said the store offers a wide range of outfits, including sarees, Punjabi suits and other traditional wear, to meet festive-season demand.
She said Friday to Sunday is typically the busiest stretch, especially during festive seasons such as Deepavali and Hari Raya.
Deepavali, she noted, also draws interest in Indian traditional wear from other communities, reflecting the cultural diversity that colours the celebration.
"Previously, Malay customers usually bought saree fabric to make baju kurung or kebaya, but now many want to wear the saree itself," she said.
She said the festive atmosphere also brings some excitement to traders, who get the chance to interact with customers of different races and cultural backgrounds.
For Kuberakusalan, 67, from Taiping, Perak, the return of his children from afar, including those working in the capital, is the moment he looks forward to most each Deepavali, when the whole family gathers to celebrate together.
"This year feels more meaningful because all my children and grandchildren can make it. We came here to complete our final shopping to buy some new clothes and traditional sweets to welcome them home," he said.
Fellow shopper Mullaimalar, 50, said she had only just begun her Deepavali shopping due to a busy work schedule.
The Setapak resident said her preparations include getting traditional sweets such as laddu and jalebi, as well as ingredients for muruku and adhirasam for prayers and family feasts.
Mullaimalar hopes this year's Deepavali brings happiness and good health, as well as instils values of love and mutual respect within the community. - BERNAMA