Crowded Gujarat Markets See Surge in Last‑Minute Diwali Shopping on Sunday

Across Gujarat, market streets were packed on Sunday as the festive season approached, with shoppers scrambling for the final items needed for Diwali celebrations. Vendors reported a sharp increase in footfall compared with the previous week, and stalls displayed a wide range of traditional sweets, lamps, rangoli powders and new clothing.
The surge is attributed to a combination of attractive discounts offered by retailers and the urgency of completing household decorations before the holiday. Many buyers were seen comparing prices and bargaining for bulk purchases of firecrackers and puja kits, reflecting the typical pre‑festival rush.
Local traders welcomed the heightened activity, noting that the influx of customers helps sustain small businesses during the peak season. Municipal authorities, however, have warned about traffic congestion near popular bazaars and have deployed additional police personnel to manage crowds and ensure safety.
Overall, the bustling atmosphere underscores the cultural importance of Diwali in Gujarat, where last‑minute shopping remains a key part of the celebration ritual.