KUALA LUMPUR — The festive atmosphere ahead of Deepavali on November 8 is becoming more vibrant as the Indian community nationwide begins making preparations for the Festival of Lights, including purchasing traditional attire, preparing special delicacies and decorating their homes to celebrate the occasion with family and relatives. 

Bernama’s survey in several states found that shopping hotspots are beginning to draw crowds purchasing festive essentials, while traders are offering a wide selection of goods and special promotions to attract customers. 

In KUALA LUMPUR, traders in Little India, Brickfields, are hoping for an increase in visitors this weekend, although the recent unpredictable weather has somewhat affected sales. 

Shoe and accessories trader Vishan Daren, 30, said the rain had resulted in fewer customers, but visitor numbers have started to pick up today and are expected to increase further on Saturday and Sunday. 

In SELANGOR, a survey at Little India, Klang, found that Deepavali preparations had also attracted people from various ethnic communities, including Nadia Dastghill, 44, who was shopping for traditional Indian attire for her child’s school celebration and a sari as a gift for the teacher. 

Another visitor, N. Rama Rao, 38, said Little India remains his family’s preferred shopping destination as it offers a wide selection of traditional attire at reasonable prices.