Skilfully crafted: Traders preparing garlands using fresh flowers to sell to customers in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration in Johor Baru. — Bernama
JOHOR BARU: With just a few days left before Deepavali, many people are busy preparing and shopping for necessities.
A Bernama survey at the Deepavali bazaar on Jalan Trus found that the area has become a hub for the Indian community, just like in previous years.
Most of them were making the most of the weekend, bringing family members along for shopping.
Businesses have also begun offering promotions and substantial discounts on various items, especially clothing.
Devi Kausalyah, 28, a Johor Baru native working in Singapore, was eager to visit the bazaar.
“My preparations aren’t too early or too late.
“This is my second visit here; the first time I bought cookies, and my husband and I are here to buy clothes. Everything is available, and the prices are affordable,” she said.
For 18-year-old Vheisnavy Murugan, this year’s preparations and celebrations for Deepavali are much more livelier compared with last year.
“For me, I feel more excited to celebrate Deepavali this year because last year, we didn’t celebrate due to a family member’s passing. So, this year, I want to enjoy the festivities.
“I haven’t done any preparations yet. I’ll look for cookies and other items, except for clothes because my mother is making my Deepavali outfit.
“There are many items here at reasonable prices, so it’s worth coming,” said Vheisnavy.
Meanwhile, trader S. Sivathi, 42, acknowledged the growing festive atmosphere with only a few days left until Deepavali this Thursday.
She said her henna painting service, operating at the bazaar for 25 days, is always busy, attracting not only Indian customers but also Malays, Chinese and foreigners.
“Every year, it’s lively. The number of customers never decreases; both regular and new customers come to get henna.
“Everyone wants to look beautiful. Although henna isn’t mandatory for Indians, it’s a trend to look nice on such an important day.
“As for me, I’m a trader, so I focus on my business first, then I think about my preparations for my family,” said Sivathi.
