RAJSHAHI, Sept 25 (BSS): Shopping ahead of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, has gained strong momentum in Rajshahi city and surrounding areas, with enthusiastic crowds thronging local markets and shopping malls to purchase dresses, worship items, and other festival essentials.
Markets across the city are witnessing a significant rush of buyers, especially women, who are busy selecting sarees, salwar-kameez, and other traditional festive attire. Among the most sought-after items this season are Tangail Tant, Jamdani, Katan, Half-silk, Georgette, Banarasi Katan, Bombay Katan, and embroidered sarees.
A notable crowd has been seen at popular shopping destinations including Shaheb Bazar, RDA Market, and New Market, where customers are buying sarees, dhoti-Punjabis, children's outfits, shoes, and imitation jewelry. Retailers noted that shoppers are also showing growing interest in vermilion (sindur), bangles, shankha, shakha, chandan (sandalwood), and other decorative and worship items.
Many vendors expressed satisfaction with sales so far, noting that local shopping has increased this year, as a number of customers were unable to obtain Indian visas in time to travel to Kolkata for festival shopping.
"We are witnessing a good turnout of buyers this year. Festival-centric collections are drawing crowds. Though prices have increased slightly, customers are still making purchases," said Saheb Ali, a saree vendor at Shaheb Bazar.
In Rajshahi, renowned for its high-quality silk, Puja shopping is incomplete without silk products. Silk stores and showrooms across the city are experiencing peak sales. Locally woven silk fabrics, crafted by skilled artisans, are in high demand. Silk factories at the BSCIC (Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation) estate are operating round-the-clock to meet the surge in demand.
"Silk is inseparable from Puja celebrations in Rajshahi. People of all ages, especially adolescents, are crowding silk showrooms to pick their favorite designs," said a local showroom manager.
Many buyers shared their excitement about this year's festive collections.
"This year's collections are beautiful. I came to buy a half-silk saree for myself and a Katan saree for my mother-in-law," said Sampa Saha, a shopper from the Laxmipur area.
"Durga Puja is our main religious festival. I bought new clothes for all my family members," said Sandhya Rani from Kumarpara. Retailers reported high demand for both Indian and locally made garments, including fashionable Punjabis and jeans.
