By Afreen Firdaus
 

Bhubaneswar: With Durga Puja around the corner, markets and malls across Bhubaneswar are witnessing a festive shopping rush, with clothing, jewellery and accessory stores drawing crowds, particularly during the evenings. From the bustling Unit-I and Unit-II markets to upmarket malls and jewellery showrooms, shoppers are out in large numbers to complete their festive purchases.

Families are busy navigating crowded market lanes in search of last-minute festive shopping for outfits, sarees, ethnic wear, footwear and clothes. Women’s accessories and cosmetics are also drawing shoppers keen to complete their festive looks. The rush has added to congestion around busy commercial stretches and traffic junctions.

“Durga Puja is very special to me as it brings family together. This is the longest holiday when I get to come home, making shopping and spending time with my family precious. The festive offers are just the icing on the cake,” said Kalyani Bhagwani, a Kharvel Nagar resident, while shopping with her family for last-minute purchases.

For many, the final days before the festival offer a chance to buy items left off their shopping lists or make additional purchases for family members. Clothing stores are catering to demand for traditional and contemporary festive wear, while jewellery shops are drawing customers looking for ornaments.

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Manisha Patra, an IT professional, has stepped out to purchase accessories to complete her festive outfits. “I have come shopping despite the overwhelming crowd and hustle, but it is fun and so full of life,” she said.

Shoppers are also buying jewellery for weddings, gifts and personal use. “This year, people have started buying jewellery for weddings, gifts and personal use. The demand seems good,” said a representative of Sathua Jewellery and Sons in Satya Nagar.

The shopping rush reflects the range of budgets and preferences retailers must cater to during the festive season. While some customers prioritise new outfits and accessories, others balance their purchases against household budgets. Discounts, product variety and the availability of preferred designs can influence their spending choices.

For retailers dealing in clothing, jewellery, footwear and cosmetics, the festive season offers an opportunity to boost business. As shoppers continue to visit markets and malls for last-minute purchases, commercial areas across the capital are expected to remain busy, with families making the most of the festive shopping season.