AS Deepavali approaches, the festive atmosphere is palpable in Little India, with stalls being set up and a variety of festival products such as clothes, festival cookies, snacks, and decorative items arriving in anticipation of the celebration.
However, a recent survey conducted by the Buletin Mutiara team reveals that despite a decrease in the number of shoppers and visitors, the traders at Little India remain optimistic.
This year, Deepavali, more fondly known as ‘Festival of Light,’ falls on Nov 12.
Henna artist Amarjit Kaur, 33, is hopeful that her business will thrive in the last three days leading up to Deepavali.
“This is the first year I am setting up a booth for Deepavali, and as for now the business is slow but we are hoping for it to pick up towards Deepavali.
“The last three days are when we anticipate more visitors and shoppers to come here.
“Apart from that, I am also a freelance make-up artist, nail art artist, as well as a beautician. And I have been in this field for the past 10 years,” Amarjit added.
Youngster Sasirekha Sarkunan, a 30-year-old Henna artist, said this is her second year trying out the Henna business at Little India during Deepavali.
“I believe we will have a good response from the crowd three days before Deepavali, as now, people are more focused on buying clothes.
“Setting up a booth here will also help me expand my network for my freelance bridal makeup business.
“Through this, I will have the chance to secure bookings for bridal make-up. I even travelled as far as Pahang and Johor to provide bridal makeup,” Sasirekha said.
Meanwhile, Maya Silk owner K. Rajendar, 71, said the current economic situation has resulted in a decrease in people’s purchasing power, impacting businesses like his.
“I still have my loyal customers who continue to buy clothes from me, but the quantity of their purchases has decreased compared to the previous year when business was better.
“Now, we are waiting for the last-minute shoppers and hopefully businesses will pick up next week.
“I have my customers as far as Sungai Petani and Ipoh. However, there are also traders who sell clothes online , which some people would prefer,” he added.
N. Ravi Kaaneshan, 32, who sells a variety of Deepavali snacks, such as muruku and Indian desserts said people tend to buy these items closer to the festival.
“I have been selling Deepavali snacks for the past 20 years.
“Locals as well as people from other states purchase my products, but some might not want to buy them too early.
“I have put up my stall two weeks ago. And nowadays, more stalls sell Deepavali snacks,” Ravi Kaaneshan added.
Balan Sivasamy from VKN Jewellers explained that with the rising gold prices, shoppers are buying fewer grams of gold.
“This year, the business is a bit slow as the prices for basic necessities have gone up and our Malaysian ringgit has also dropped.
“People’s purchasing power is lower now. They do buy gold but in smaller quantities,” Balan said.
Jayam Fusion Cusine restaurant owner P. Adaikala Raja, 46, revealed that his restaurant is offering a special Deepavali buffet on Nov 11 and Nov 12.
“Normally, restaurants do not offer buffet spread for Deepavali celebrations; that is more common in hotels.
“So, we decided to introduce this for our customers to celebrate the festival with their loved ones and enjoy a variety of dishes at just RM39.99 for a total of 40 items. Our main aim is to make our customers happy on this joyous occasion,” Adaikala Raja said.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting