
Vijayawada: The city is all decked up with Diwali‘s festive glow. An enthusiastic crowd of shoppers filled the streets as they visited shops to purchase vibrant decoration essentials, sweets and flowers, despite a notable rise is prices of the commodities this year.
Diwali symbolises the triumph of good over evil. It is celebrated by people from all walks of life, thus bringing unity and joy.
People use colourful lights, traditional clay lamps, and vibrant floral arrangements to decorate their houses of Diwali. However, the recent incessant rains have led to shortage in supply of flowers. Hence, price of marigold, that are considered integral to Diwali decorations, have soared to 200 per kilogram at Rajiv Gandhi wholesale market, putting a strain on many.
In bustling marketplaces like Besant Road, One Town Gandhinagar, and surrounding areas, vendors displayed colorful lamps, candles, and clay diya lamps along the streets, drawing crowds. These festive setups added to the city’s festive charm, although the high foot traffic led to frequent traffic jams in popular areas.
Bakeries and sweet shops saw record crowds, enticing customers with special offers on a wide range of Diwali treats. Many residents lined up to buy sweets and gifts for friends and family. Temporary stalls at Ghantasala Venkateswara Rao Music College, Bhavanipuram, and Vajra Grounds in Brindavan Colony buzzed with people who gather to purchase firecrackers, even amid their rising costs.
Meanwhile, Vijayawada police tightened security and kept close watch on market areas to prevent any incidents and ensure the city’s residents celebrated a safe and joyful Diwali.