Preparing for the festivities: S. Chitra Dewi, 39, (second left) and her mother in-law A. Pushpavalii, 59, looking at garments for children made from silk at a shop in George Town’s Little India. — ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
GEORGE TOWN: Imported silk sarees with a modern touch are catching the eye of people preparing for Deepavali, which is less than three weeks away.
The sarees, sourced from Tamil Nadu, India, are seen as one of the most fashionable pieces this year, said shop proprietor MP Alagarsamy, 81.
“Its breathable fabric provides comfort during hot and humid weather,” he said, adding that the sarees are priced between RM60 and RM250.
Alagarsamy, who has been running the business in Little India since 1956, said there was a noticeable shift towards more contemporary and high-quality clothing this year.
Last year, he said most shoppers were inclined towards traditional and cost-effective options.
For men’s attire, Alagarsamy said that “reasonably priced” dhoti and kurta laced with silk were available.
“Men are following the trend too, but mostly, they will go for the traditional type of attire.”
Accessories shop manager J. Shantini said colourful and illuminating decor is particularly sought after.
“The popular decorative items include string lights, lamps, drapes and curtains, DIY crafts, as well as traditional items like candle holders and floral decorations,” she said, adding that decorative items available in sets were priced from RM30 to RM350.
“Customers can get decorations that suit their preferences and budget,” she said.
Student S. Gayathri, 20, was among the shoppers on the lookout for decorative items to adorn her family home.
“Usually, I would accompany my mother for shopping, but this time, I preferred to do some window-shopping on my own,” she said, adding that she would opt for traditional decorations because they were simple and could be reused.
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