By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 6: As Shillong embraces winter’s chill, the city’s streets tell a tale of vendors packing up early, people donning layers, and the remnants of festive joy persisting amidst the cold winds.
As the vibrant festivities fade away, a lingering sense of celebration intertwines with winter’s embrace, as the city continues to glow with festive lights, notably adorning Khyndailad and Ward’s Lake, and other significant rotaries like Laitumkhrah.
Amidst the chilly breeze, and the sun setting early the marketplaces continue to be thronged by people, however, much lesser in number.
The bustling Khyndailad greets visitors with enticing footpath retail sellers offering thrift overcoats and sweaters at irresistible prices.
Mandarin vendors along the stretch add to the charm selling them for a mere Rs 100.
While daytime prices may be higher, as evening descends, costs dip, marking the vendors’ preparation to conclude the day.
With the sun setting early around 5 p.m., the illusion of finishing work early sets in. Footpath hawkers in Motphran pack up by 6 p.m., responding to the biting cold that envelops the city post-sunset, discouraging late-night activities.
Local flower sellers have a good time, as the winter demand for Christmas flowers, cherry blossoms, and white blooms, especially during the prevalent wedding season grows.
Despite the city usually winding down by 9 p.m., the cold prompts an earlier closure.
The hotels that usually boasted full occupancy until December 31 are now dull, indicating that the tourist inflow is not as great as the festive season.
While the shopping fervor dwindles and prices decrease, iconic winter markets like the Tibetan and Bhutia markets wear an unusual emptiness.
January, heralding the New Year, fails to dispel the festive lag that still lingers, contributing to the subdued atmosphere.