GUWAHATI: Guwahati’s markets are flooded with decorative lights as Diwali traditions continue to engulf the city's atmosphere for the time being.
ALSO READ: Diwali Celebrations Dim As Mustard Oil Prices Soar In Guwahati
These lights are offered in a variety of styles and price ranges, revealing the ongoing dependence on Chinese imports for festive decorations despite years of campaigns to promote Indian products.
Fancy Bazar, Ganeshguri and Six Mile have emerged as major commercial hubs for these lights, as they cater to diverse customer budgets with multiple price brackets.
Prices for the Chinese decorative lights begin at ₹80, with more vibrant, multicoloured options priced between ₹100 and ₹120. Larger or more intricate designs, like net-style lights, reach ₹1,000, a price point that has eclipsed the rates of the previous Diwali season.
Talking to G Plus, one shopkeeper at Fancy Bazar said, “Customers don’t seem to mind buying Chinese lights despite Indian alternatives. The demand is high, and people appreciate the quality and affordability.”
“I have multicoloured Chinese bulbs available between ₹400 and ₹500,” another vendor from Ganeshguri added. “They are all selling out quickly at the moment.”
It can be noted that the popularity of Chinese lights remains strong in Guwahati during Diwali due to their low prices and diverse designs. Buyers have continued the tradition of prioritising cost and variety over Indian offerings, signalling one complex relationship between consumer preference and national sentiment.