By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Sep 25: With less than a week to go for Durga Puja, preparations are in full swing across the city, with pandals taking final shape and other arrangements being made. However, Puja shopping is yet to gain momentum, much to the concern of shopkeepers.
A shopkeeper in Police Bazar, speaking on market trends ahead of the festivities, admitted that sales have been disappointing this year. “The sales are not at all impressive. Maybe it is because of online shopping, or perhaps people have not yet stepped out to the markets,” he said.
A visit to Police Bazar revealed that while many of the bigger clothing outlets had only a few customers, the Hawkers’ Market inside the MUDA parking lot was bustling with activity.
Jhuma Barua, a city resident, noted that most youths today prefer online shopping because of the massive discounts and offers available during the festive season. “You get your clothes delivered right at your doorstep, so I think a majority of young people are moving to online platforms,” she explained.
Meanwhile, the festive spirit is setting in as idol-makers work overtime and puja pandals receive their finishing touches. Road repairs are also underway in different areas of the city in preparation for the celebrations.
Shillong usually witnesses a large influx of tourists during Durga Puja, but this year the trend appears to be the opposite. Parambir Singh Sehdave, president of the Federation of Shillong Hotels, confirmed that the flow of tourists has been disappointing this season, with hotel occupancy rates remaining poor.
