People flock to markets on pre-Diwali festival

New Delhi, Oct 19 (UNI) Despit a high alert in and around Delhi in view of heightened threat perception, people flocked to markets to shop on the pre-Diwali festival of 'Dhanteras'.

The markets which so far did not experience a heavy customer rush despite the festival season picked up in sales today. Setting aside apprehensions of another terror attack on Diwali eve this year, Delhiites shopped to their hearts content on Dhanteras, considered auspicious for buying metal.

''I was avoiding going to crowded places so far. But I want to buy some gold jewellery.... Its a very auspicious day today. How long can we sit at home and not lead a normal life,'' said Ms Meera Mehta, who was trying to find a parking slot for her car in the bustling Karol Bagh market.

''This the festival time and not venturing out is not an option,'' she added.

Scores of people like Ms Mehta ventured out of their homes across the city which witnessed several traffic jam throughout the day.

Roads leading to shopping hubs like South Extension, Kamla Nagar Market, Sarojini Nagar, Lajpat Nagar and Rajouri Garden were in a gridlock for long intervals today.

Police, this year, has taken a slew of measures to ensure safety for people. Additional police personnel have been deployed across the capital, particularly in markets.

Metal detectors and surveillance cameras have been put in place in most of the markets. Anti-sabotage teams, bomb disposal squads and dog squads have been placed on standby.

''We made necessary security arrangements for this Diwali and Eid, including deploying more personnel. We are hopeful that all would go well this year,'' a senior police official told UNI.

The fire department is also on a high alert to meet any eventuality.

The Delhi High Court today directed the authorities to reserve at least 20 beds for a week in each of the government hospitals in the capital to admit burn patients during Diwali festival.

UNI NR VD VV2011