Karwa Chauth, a cherished Hindu tradition, witnesses married women fasting from sunrise to moonrise and praying fervently for the well-being of their husbands.
Originating from an ancient tale of devotion of Queen Veeravati towards her husband, this fast is also widely observed in Delhi and NCR.
As the moon graces the night sky, rituals culminate, reaffirming the unbreakable connection shared by married couples.
But despite its significance in the society, Karwa Chauth seems to have lost its sparkle this year.
While the women were seen celebrating with immense happiness and excitement, dressed in vibrant traditional attire and gathered in temples and community spaces to perform rituals and prayers, the shopkeepers were downbeat.
Being the pulse of the market, they shared a common concern about declining sales, painting a worrying picture of changing traditions and economic challenges.
Most of the shopkeepers Patriot spoke to were unhappy.
Anil Singh, who sells garments in the Karol Bagh market, said, “The footfall this year was notably low. Customers seemed hesitant, and the usual excitement was missing.”
Abdul Kareem, another shopkeeper in the market, said, “We noticed that people were sticking to basic, timeless designs rather than opting for new and trendy items. It’s as if the celebrations have taken a more conservative turn.”
The prevailing sentiment among the shopkeepers was a mix of disappointment and empathy.
“Economic uncertainties have made people more cautious with their spending,” said Vijay Kumar, another shopkeeper in Karol Bagh.
“Many families are prioritising essential expenses, impacting their willingness to indulge in festive shopping,” he added.
Amid subdued sales, however, the shopkeepers remained hopeful of better times.
Another shopkeeper at Karol Bagh said, “Our customers are like family to us. We empathise with their situation and hope for brighter days when they can celebrate with the same fervour as before.”
One of them shared, “Despite the challenges, we believe in the resilience of our traditions. Families might be scaling down their celebrations, but the spirit of Karva Chauth lives on.”
