CHANDIGARH, Oct. 18 — The Tricity of Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula came alive under a golden glow on Friday as residents thronged markets ahead of Dhanteras on October 18 and Diwali on October 20, driving an estimated ₹300-crore shopping spree that traders say marks one of the most vibrant festive seasons in years.
From morning till midnight, streets overflowed with vehicles, markets were jammed with shoppers, and cash counters rang incessantly. “This is the revival phase,” said Deepak Arora, president of the Market Welfare Association. “We haven’t seen this level of crowd and spending since the pandemic. The festival has injected both joy and money into the local economy.”
Major shopping hubs — Sectors 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 35, 15, 7 and 26 in Chandigarh; Phases 3B1, 3B2, 5, 7, 9, 10 and Sohana in Mohali; and Sectors 7 to 17 in Panchkula — witnessed heavy footfall. Shopfronts sparkled with fairy lights and garlands, while stalls selling diyas, sweets, utensils and idols spilled onto the streets. Bhajans blared from loudspeakers as the air filled with the scent of marigolds and freshly made sweets.
Traders’ associations project overall sales of ₹250–300 crore — a 30–40% rise over last year. The surge spans jewellery, apparel, electronics, automobiles and home décor, signalling renewed consumer confidence and economic revival.
A new wave of digital, eco-friendly and tech-driven shopping trends dominated this season. Online purchases of digital gold and silver soared among younger buyers, while clay diyas, bamboo lamps and organic colours reflected a shift toward greener festivities. Electronics outlets reported over 25% growth, led by smart TVs, robot vacuum cleaners and AI-powered kitchen gadgets.
Jewellery preferences leaned toward “lightweight luxury” — smaller gold pieces and minimalist silver designs. “Even with gold crossing ₹1.35 lakh per 10 grams and silver at ₹1.77 lakh per kg, the enthusiasm hasn’t dimmed,” said Piyush Gupta, a jeweller in Sector 35. “People are buying smaller ornaments and coins, but the volume of buyers is tremendous.”
Auto showrooms reported record bookings. “Bookings have doubled compared to last year,” said Manisha Sharma, a Mohali-based dealer. “People believe buying a vehicle on Dhanteras brings prosperity.” Two-wheeler stocks are reportedly running low due to high demand.
Appliance dealers also saw brisk sales. “Customers are upgrading their homes this Diwali,” said Kapil Kumar, who runs an electronics store in Sector 18.
Sweet shops and bakeries worked round the clock to meet bulk orders for premium gift boxes and special mithai assortments, while selfie corners and festive installations drew large crowds.
The shopping boom came with heavy congestion. Roads near Sectors 17, 22, 35 and 15 in Chandigarh, along with Hallomajra Chowk, Tribune Chowk, and market belts of Mohali and Panchkula, were gridlocked. “It took me 40 minutes just to find parking,” said Poonam Malhotra, a shopper from Sector 38. Police urged residents to use shared rides or public transport, but traffic jams continued late into the night.
Cab-pooling and e-scooter rentals surged as people sought alternatives to driving. Parking lots remained full as families carried shopping bags, gift hampers and new utensils — traditional symbols of prosperity for Dhanteras.
The festive energy was palpable. Women and children in sparkling ethnic attire filled the bazaars, sampling sweets, taking selfies, and trying on jewellery. Traders said this year’s robust sales had revived hope among small and medium businesses hit by slow demand earlier in the year.
As lights twinkled across the Tricity skyline, the glow symbolised not just festivity but also economic revival. Amid honking cars, glittering storefronts and the hum of commerce, this Diwali season has turned Chandigarh, Mohali and Panchkula into a shimmering showcase of prosperity, optimism and joy.
Dhanteras, or Dhantrayodashi, marks the first day of the five-day Diwali festival. Falling on the 13th day of Krishna Paksha in Kartik month, it honours Lord Dhanvantari, the divine healer, and Goddess Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Buying gold, silver, utensils or new goods on this day is considered auspicious for inviting prosperity. Homes are decorated with rangolis and lit with 13 diyas to invoke blessings for health, wealth and good fortune.
