Diwali 2021: Patna soaks in festive spirit

PATNA: The city was in the grip of festivities as thousands of people were busy making last-minute preparations on Wednesday for Diwali. Markets witnessed heavy rush as shoppers stepped out of their houses to purchase ‘diyas’, idols, lights, ‘rangoli’ stickers, puja materials, sweets, dry fruits, crackers and gifts for guests.
According to Hindu mythology, Diwali is the festival of lights that signifies the victory of good over evil and the eradication of negativity.
Selling decorative lights, utensils, ‘diyas’ and idols is keeping small vendors busy in the city. Santosh Singh, a vendor near Boring Canal Road, said he had had a busy day. “A large number of shoppers bought ‘diyas’ and ‘rangoli’ stensils,” he claimed.
Another vendor in Chandni Market, Amit Kumar, said, “Fairy lights that cost up to Rs 150 are in demand.”
Patnaites also queued up outside popular confectioneries in the city. Abir Choudhary, the manager of a sweetmeat shop near Gandhi Maidan, told this reporter on Wednesday that ‘kaju’, ‘mawa’ and ‘chhena’ sweets were more in demand. “This year we have introduced ‘kaju’ diamond and butterscotch ‘laddoo’ which are available in the range of Rs 320 to Rs 345 per kg.”
Saurabh Kumar, an employee of another confectionery on Exhibition Road, said the festival was incomplete without sweets. “People are also buying dry fruits like cashews, raisins, pistachios, walnuts, figs and almonds. Chocolate gift boxes are also in demand,” he added.
Ajay Kumar, a food safety officer in Patna, pointed out that 58 shops had been raided since October 1 and 68 samples sent to labs for examination. He said, “During the raids, our team destroyed perishable items in Doodh Mandi on Station Road, Ram Krishna Nagar and Gai Ghat. Notices were also issued to three sweetmeat shops for selling decay rotten items.”