Tuhina Sahoo
Bhubaneswar, Sept 16: As Bhubaneswar gears up for the grand celebration of Vishwakarma Puja, the city’s markets are witnessing a surge in activity, with footfall reaching an all-time high. The festival, dedicated to Lord Vishwakarma, the divine architect, holds great significance for workers, artisans, and the industrial workforce. It is traditionally observed by setting up altars at factories, workshops, and offices, where tools and machines are worshipped, making the festival an essential occasion for many.
This year Bhubaneswar’s markets are buzzing with enthusiastic shoppers:
A Festive Frenzy
The major markets in the city, including Unit I, Unit II, Bapuji Nagar, and Saheed Nagar, are packed with people making last-minute purchases. From decorations and idols to tools and machinery parts, a variety of items are being picked up in preparation for the celebrations. Sellers, too, have stocked up on a wide range of products to meet the increasing demand.
“Business has been really good this time. We have seen a 30% increase in sales compared to last year. People are buying idols, flowers, and decorative items in large quantities,” says Amit Sahu, a shopkeeper in Bapuji Nagar.
Customer Excitement
Shoppers are equally thrilled about the upcoming festivities. Rekha Mishra, a resident of Nayapalli, was spotted buying puja essentials with her family. “This year, we are celebrating Vishwakarma Puja on a grand scale after a gap of a few years. We’re getting everything from new tools for the workshop to decorative items for the office. It’s been a busy but exciting time,” she shares.
Many customers are also stocking up on electronic items and gadgets, traditionally blessed during the puja. “We just bought a new machine for our family’s business, and we’re looking forward to performing the puja. The festival has always been a big occasion for us,” says Sanjay Mohanty, a businessman from Unit-I.
Sellers Report Brisk Sales
For the vendors, the pre-Vishwakarma Puja rush is proving to be a much-needed economic boost. Satya Narayan Das, who runs a shop selling tools and machinery parts, notes, “Vishwakarma Puja is one of the busiest times of the year for us. We have customers coming in for both traditional and industrial tools, and the sales have been outstanding this season.”
Florists, too, are experiencing a high demand for garlands and flowers used in rituals. “People are buying in bulk for decorations and the puja setups. I had to bring in extra stock just to keep up with the orders,” says Preeti Behera, a flower vendor in Unit I market.
With Vishwakarma Puja falling at the start of the festive season, the heightened market activity is expected to continue in the lead-up to Durga Puja and Diwali, making this a lucrative time for businesses across the city.
As Bhubaneswar embraces the festive spirit, both sellers and shoppers alike are eagerly preparing for a joyful and prosperous Vishwakarma Puja.
