Chennai: It can be said that Deepavali is extra special among other festivals, as not only does it bring new clothes, crackers and confectioneries, it also leads to a celebratory spirit that reigns in the air.
Long queues, coins jingling, goodies everywhere. This is Deepavali at the Fourth Main Road market in Nanganallur.
The ever-busy bazaar was bustling with people all over to do the festival purchase and it is the time where people work hard and reap the benefits.
LET THERE BE LIGHT
Elumalai is one such seller, crouched to sell traditional mud lamp. “Lakshmi Vinayagar statue is this year Deepavali’s special. Apart from that I have the traditional kuthu vilakku and lamps of all sizes ranging between Rs 100 and Rs 300. The regular small lamps are also available,” he says.
Asked about the sales, he adds, “It has not picked up yet and expecting to make good money two days before the festival.”
‘SWEET’ STORY
Chitra Sweets in Fourth Main Road requires no introduction. Customers are already gathering in large numbers to take home the fresh sweets.
“As we prepare it under the customer’s nose, all sweets are getting sold within a jiffy like hot cakes. Laddu, jangri, badushah, thenkulal and other types of fryums and traditional confectionaries are available,” says owner Thangam.
THE ‘LEGIYAM’ MAAMI
The aroma of omam, black pepper and cardamom fill the air upon entering Bhagyalakshmi’s store. For four years now, she has been making the Deepavali legiyam in the traditional way. ‘The sales this year is average. However, people who have tasted my legiyam know the quality and they always come back,’ she says.
SAFEGUARDING PETS
While everyone is busy prepping up for the festival of lights. Sowmya Sankaran, an animal activist from Ram Nagar, is campaigning for pet safety.
“The pets are afraid of crackers and people are not going to stop bursting them. So I have been going around campaigning for safeguarding domestic animals. It is advised to shelter them within the house and feed well,” Sowmya says.