Dhaka, Oct 05 (V7N): As Sharadiya Durga Puja nears, shopping malls and stores across Dhaka are seeing a sharp increase in customer traffic, with the Hindu community gearing up for its biggest religious celebration.

Initially, retailers were uncertain about how sales would fare due to the political unrest following the ousting of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5. However, those concerns have eased since the interim government, led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, took charge.

On Friday, crowds of eager shoppers filled Bashundhara City Shopping Complex, with local clothing brands such as Aarong, Deshi Dosh, Infinity, and Anjan's packed with buyers. Similarly, shoe stores including Bata, Bay Emporium, and Apex were flooded with customers.

Retailers say sales have been picking up for Durga Puja, particularly because many shoppers who usually travel to Kolkata were unable to secure visas in time, opting to shop locally instead. This has provided a boost to the domestic market.

Most fashion and electronics brands have introduced new products and special offers, including discounts, to attract customers ahead of the festival. Traders estimate that around 70% of festive sales in Bangladesh occur during the two Eid celebrations, with the remaining portion spread across Pohela Boishakh and Durga Puja.

This year, sarees and salwar-kameez are in high demand, with buyers favoring katan, silk, and designer sarees, while Jamdani sarees remain a popular choice.

Poli Dey, a resident of Kathal Bagan, was seen shopping with her son and daughter at Bashundhara Mall. Over the past two weeks, her family has spent approximately Tk 40,000 on Puja shopping, purchasing panjabees, shirts, pants, and other accessories for her father, husband, and brothers, as well as sarees for her mother and close relatives.

Large crowds have also been observed at shopping hubs like New Market, Dhanmondi Hawkers Market, Eastern Mollika, Motaleb Plaza, Yamuna Future Park, and several malls in Old Dhaka. Many from the Hindu community are also shopping at local stores in their neighborhoods.

Saikat Das, a private bank employee, was busy buying eight sarees for his mother, wife, and sisters at Dhanmondi’s Hawkers Market. He also picked up shirts, pants, T-shirts, and shoes for himself. “Durga Puja is our most important festival, and giving gifts brings joy,” he said, adding that the market is noticeably more crowded this year.

Farhad Hossain Saju, the owner of Fahad Fashion House in Gauchia Market, shared that sales have been strong this year and are expected to remain high throughout Durga Puja. Saiful Islam, who runs Bichitra Cosmetics, noted that demand for cosmetics always increases around festivals, including during Puja.

Shankhari Bazaar in Old Dhaka, known for its traditional shops, is also buzzing with activity. Items like conch shells, idol clothes, earthen lamps, incense sticks, and other essentials for Durga Puja are being sold in large quantities. Soumitra Das, of Maa Manasa Shankh Shilpalaya, mentioned that conch, alta (red dye), vermilion, and other ceremonial materials are also in high demand.

Sharadiya Durga Puja will officially commence on October 9 with Maha Shasthi, concluding with the immersion of idols on Bijoya Dashami, October 13.

END/MSS/AJ