By Mrinalini.Bhat Bengaluru: With the government loosen the restrictions of Covid-19 for Ganesh Chaturthi and general general in economic activities, vendors throughout Bengaluru are optimistic businesses will be better than in 2020.
Some market to visit – in Jayanagar 4th Block and Malleshwaram – crowded with buyers on Tuesday.
However, requests have not returned to the Pre-Covid level.
Srinivas M, the owner of one of the oldest shops that sells Ganesha idols at RV Road, said: “Sales take small idols stored at home.
We do not expect a larger idol to sell the same way, considering that BBMP will give permission for only three days Before the festival.
Moreover, there is a norm that the size of these idols should not be more than four feet.
“Srinivas, while showing that the shop is one of the first shops in the city to make Ganesha idols 10 feet and more, say most idols are just sitting in storage.
“But we hope to see an increase in smaller idol sales on Wednesday and Thursday,” he said.
At the Basilagudi market on Tuesday, the BBMP marshal patrolled the area and fined them who did not follow Covid safety norms.
Vendors say that in addition to idols, there is also a request for the things used to decorate the house.
Chandramma S, who has been in the business selling flowers for the past 30 years in Basavanagudi, said: “As someone who has witnessed the festival season for many years, I can say that business has not returned to pre-covid time.
But of course it was picked up compared to 2020.
I think it’s because citizens are vaccinated and the case doesn’t surge.
“Buyer Toi talks with not only buying fruit and flowers, but also placing orders for candy, disposable, tableware and environmentally friendly items for offers (prasadam) in between other things.
Gundanna P, Deepak’s shop owner in Basavanagudi, said: “Sales have increased by around 30% from last year.
We sell decorative items along with the ingredients needed during Pooja such as incense sticks, lights and other items.
People like to buy most of this before and then buy idols.
So, I strongly believe that business will take for all other vendors for the next two days.
“Suresh Babu, whose father started their business almost 57 years ago, said they were facing Some problems in 2020.
He added that while regular customers returned this year, requests have not returned to the pre-pandemic level.
“Business may improve tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday because people who keep idols at home sometimes prefer to take it a day in advance,” he said.