A variety of Goodudeepas and lamps take over the market

• Preparations begin for the celebration fo Deepavali

Mangaluru: Preparations have begun in the market for the celebration of the festival of lights, Deepavali. Goodudeepas and lamps are the prime attraction of deepavali and a variety of them have taken over shops and markets. Earthen lamps and porcelain lamps are the two varieties available. The earthen lamps are traditional while the porcelain lamps are recent creation. Also the earthen lamps cost cheaper and the porcelain lamps are expensive.

Earlier, lamps were available at only a few shops in Mangaluru. However, since a few years, lamps are being supplied from Tamil Nadu and hence the lamps are being sold on the road side and pushcarts. An earthen lamp will cost from Rs 1 to Rs 5 whereas a porcelain lamp will cost Rs 2.50 to Rs 15. Also sets of artistically attached earthen lamps are available at the price of Rs 130 to Rs 200.

In comparison to last year, the business has decreased. It is presumed that the lack of money with the people might be the reason behind this. However, the business is expected to catch pace in the next couple of days, says Ravindra Prabhu, owner of Mangaluru’s first earthen lamps selling shop Bharat Supplies near Town Hall which was established 65 years ago.

Crackers are an integral part of Deepavali celebrations and shops have prepared well for its sale. A variety of attractive Goodudeepas have also established their dominance in front of many shops. The flowers used in decorating shops have also started reaching the market.