Festivals come with their own goodies and fun. The most important family passtime and "Family Time" is shopping - for clothes, footwear, accessories, Puja products, Sweets, Utensils, etc.  These are the memories that are carried on life long. However, the advent and dependance on Online Shopping has taken the joy away from Festival Shopping, be it Diwali, Eid, Baisakhi or Christmas.

Shopping in stores allows you to physically see, touch, and try on products. This can be especially important when purchasing items like clothing, shoes, and electronics, where the sensory experience and physical fit are essential. In conversations with local shopkeepers of Udaipur, they express a sentiment that resonates with the charm of offline shopping, especially during the festive season like Diwali. The shopkeepers emphasize that the offline shopping experience offers a unique convenience, where you can explore a delightful array of choices in person, ensuring your selections are done with certainty.

In today's digital age, Online Shopping has undeniably become an integral part of our society, offering a wide range of products at our fingertips. However, there's a distinct joy that offline shopping brings, one that cannot be easily replicated in the virtual realm. Udaipur has old and affordable markets that serve a diverse selection of items. These markets were, are and will always be a one-stop destination for a number of products, including affordable clothing, accessories, footwear, and even electronics.

As the Diwali festival approaches, these local shopkeepers urge shoppers to consider the local markets of Udaipur for their festive season shopping. The markets come alive with a kaleidoscope of colors, offering an array of traditional and contemporary Diwali attire, decorations, and gifts. 

Maldas Street Market

By shopping from local vendors, you're not only indulging in the retail experience, but also contributing to the local economy and supporting the livelihood of the hardworking artisans and shopkeepers in Udaipur. 

Mukesh Jain, proprietor of the well-established "Saas Bahu Saree" shop, proudly proclaims the legacy of his store, which has been running for 20 years. Located in the heart of Udaipur's historic Maldas Street market, this shop has become a preferred destination for shoppers seeking medium-range clothing. During the Diwali season, Jain's shop offers an impressive selection of affordable and high-quality sarees, making it a prominent fixture in one of Udaipur's oldest markets. 

Mukesh Jain, Saas Bahu Saree

Vishal Soni of "Bahurani Shop," has seen this business for an impressive 30 years. Their shop is renowned for offering sarees at reasonable rates without compromising on quality. Soni takes pride in providing a delightful shopping experience for customers looking for premium quality sarees during the festive season. It's this commitment to both affordability and quality that has kept their loyal customer base strong over the years.

Vishal Soni, Bahurani Shop

Hatim Ali Khilonawala owns "My Choice," a 25-year-old shop that caters to the diverse and evolving demands of his clients. He understands that people often come to his shop with specific preferences inspired by their online exploration. At "My Choice", they pride themselves on delivering the best quality clothing to match these expectations. Whether it's the latest fashion trends or timeless classics, customers can rely on Khilonawala's shop to provide them with top-notch choices.

Shabbir Hussain, owner of "Maimoon Dupatta Matching Center," provides a candid perspective on the current retail landscape. He notes that the impact of shifting consumer preferences is not limited to the Diwali season but has been felt over the last three months. Regrettably, Maldas Street, traditionally a bustling market, has seen a significant decline in foot traffic during this period. 

When you buy offline, you can inspect the product and its condition before making a purchase. Some people are concerned about online privacy and security issues, such as data breaches or identity theft. Shopping offline can alleviate these concerns, as you don't need to share personal and financial information online. 

Diwali Shopping at Sukhadia Circle 

Sukhadia Circle area in Udaipur is a bustling hub that caters to a wide array of needs, making it a favored destination for shoppers during the Diwali season. Here, you will discover a mix of clothing showrooms, delightful sweet shops, and decorative items.

In a conversation with UT, one of the shopkeepers, Deepak Kumawat, owner of "Kumawat Engineers," shared his enthusiasm for offering special and unique decorative items. His shop is a veritable wonderland for Diwali enthusiasts, as it boasts a diverse and captivating selection of products. Among the standout offerings are a wide variety of candles and diyas, with a particular highlight being special sensor diyas that beautifully illuminate when water is added.

"Kumawat Engineers" isn't limited to just candles and diyas; it's a one-stop destination for all your decorative needs. You will find an extensive range of decorative items, including captivating wall hangings, LED lights, Mandala hangings, and even convenient rangoli stickers.

Delhi Gate and Old Mandi Area

Delhi Gate and the Old Mandi area are among the oldest markets in Udaipur. These markets are renowned for their affordability, making them the best places to find reasonably priced items. When you visit these markets, you will hardly find empty roads, as they are bustling with crowds throughout the day.

While strolling through the bustling streets, UdaipurTimes team met an elderly lady who sells diyas. What sets her apart is that she sells these beautifully decorative diyas not just during Diwali but throughout the year. Her pricing is incredibly reasonable, offering 5 diyas for only Rs 10/-. Her name is Laxmi Prajapat and she also has ceramic diyas and diyas of every size. 

Sudeep Jain, the proprietor of “Tirupati Suitings” in Old Mandi, mentioned that customers frequently purchase clothing from his store as Diwali gifts. He specializes in selling materials for kurtas, shirts and uniforms. Additionally, notable companies visit his shop to procure clothing for gifting their employees.  

Bapu Bazaar Market

Shah Prakash Jain, the owner of the "Shah Laxmi Lal Prakash Chandra Jain" shop told me that his establishment has been in operation since 1970. He went on to mention that they experience substantial demand for steel utensils, with a particular focus on steel cookers, during the Diwali season. Additionally, their shop offers a variety of decorative metal boxes. They are authorized dealers for "Hawkins" and boast an extensive collection of various kitchen utensils.

During Diwali, the market is adorned with vibrant lights, and an array of food stalls and shops come to life. Furthermore, in the vicinity of the Town Hall area, an annual 'Diwali Fair' is organized, attracting numerous visitors. The area becomes particularly bustling during the peak days of the Diwali festival. 

When you shop offline, you can take your purchase home immediately. This is particularly beneficial when you need the product right away and don't want to wait for shipping. Buying from local retailers can support your community's economy, create jobs, and promote local entrepreneurship. It can also be a way to find unique and locally-made products.Offline shopping eliminates shipping costs, which can sometimes add significantly to the overall price of online purchases, especially for large or heavy items. In some cases, returning items purchased online can be more challenging and time-consuming than returning items in-store. 

Diwali Fair, Udaipur

SO, PEOPLE OF UDAIPUR, GO AHEAD AND CONTINUE TO PATRONAGE YOUR OLD AND TRADITIONAL SHOPS IN THE CITY AS THEY ARE PART OF YOUR FAMILY AND NEED YOUR PATRONAGE TO HAVE A BLESSED AND HAPPY DIWALI FOR THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES.