It is shopping time for Ara residents

Kumar Rajiv Nayan

Ara: The familiar fragrance of burning camphor, incense sticks, ghee besides flowers permeated the air as Ara residents set out to finish their Dussehara shopping. The welcome arches and beautiful illuminations, some still in the process of being installed, besides the decorated shops raining discount offers were enough to bring them outside their homes for shopping.

A family was finishing its Dussehara shopping at Gopali Chowk when this correspondent caught up with them. “Since my children’s holiday has started, we thought of utilizing the weekend to finish the shopping and also take them around,” said Karmantola businessman Srikant Jain adding his wife Rakhi Jain was ding some home décor items shopping.

At the Bichali road crossing, designer lightings depicting flying birds, Lord Ganesh, rainy landscape, conch shell and  illustrations made the passersby halt or slow down their vehicles for few minutes to admire the artwork. “The lighting is indeed very beautiful and much better than last year. I will bring my kids to see if doesn’t rain on Dussehara,” an onlooker was heard telling his friend at Jail road.

Shopkeepers have mad various offers and discounts on Dussehara. From mobile phones, televisions, laptops and similar gadgets to apparels, accessories, footwear and jewellery, one can see the sale posters on the display windows. “The new collection is on the shelves at most of the stores and I thought I’ll buy sari as my friend’s wedding is scheduled for November,” collegian Priya Singh said this correspondent adding “ Bluesand yellow seem to be the most popular this season.”