GEORGE TOWN: Traders at Penang’s Little India here are enjoying brisk businesses ahead of the Deepavali celebration on Oct 18.
Checks by the New Straits Times this afternoon showed the narrow streets of Little India, which include Lebuh Queen, Lebuh Pasar and Lebuh King, have been lined with tents displaying various wares to tempt customers.
The attractive prices of the items, which appear to have been heavily discounted, add to the appeal for the customers.
Most of the customers are seen exiting these shops with bags of items.
Delhi Fashion & Tailors owner Harjit Singh said he had lowered prices for all items in conjunction with the Deepavali celebration.
“You can find good quality and beautiful long Anarkalis - a long ankle or knee length dress with fitted pants - for less than RM200.
“The prices for these items are usually above RM500. Business is good for me this year,” he said at his shop in Lebuh King here.
Harjit said the long Anarkalis and kurta top with matching palazzo pants were in demand this year.
“We even have non-Indian customers coming to get some of these items as they are very fashionable,” he said.
Down the road from Harjit’s stall, there are many other stalls selling other Indian costumes. The competition among the shops appeared stiff with battle of low pricing.
Shopper R. Ramani said she was happy to see the prices and the wide variety of items this year.
“There are many things at much more reasonable prices and that is why it feels like there are more shoppers here this year,” she said.
Also in demand this Deepavali season is the Indian-motive decorations such as tapestries, pillows and pouffes.
“These items are in demand by even tourists.
“This is especially so since you can get them now at RM30 to RM100,” said P. Praveena, 25, a staff at one of the decorative shops along Lebuh Pasar.