Chinese decorative lights draw Kolkattans to markets

Kolkata, Oct. 9 (ANI): With Diwali, the festival of lights, round the corner, Chinese manufactured decorative lights have flooded markets in Kolkata.

Scores of people, who usually visit local markets to buy earthen lamps for decorative purposes on this festive occasion, are drawn to the imported Chinese lights.

Most of them find these lights inexpensive apart from being available in wide variety of designs.

"Chinese lights are less costly compared to the locally available Indian lights. We purchase it just before Diwali or just 15 days before Diwali," said K.C. Das, a shopper.

Shopkeepers feel there is a good response from customers who, they say, are captivated at seeing a wide variety.

"There is a good sale of Chinese lights during Diwali. The sale is so good that we run short of goods. Customers throng markets in search of new and different Chinese lights," said Salam, a shop owner.

Diwali or Deepavali is one of the most important of Hindu festivals. It's a five-day festival, celebrated across India on Kartik Amavasya or, the new moon day, in Kartik month as per Hindu almanac.

Legend has it that Lord Rama entered Ayodhya on this day after 14 years in self-exile. People of Ayodhya lit lamps to welcome Lord Rama's return, and hence Diwali is observed.

Deepavali is also celebrated as Naraka Chaturdashi, the day when Lord Krishna killed Narakasura, the demon of darkness.

The celebrations commence with a purifying oil bath and the lighting of lamps, symbolic of the spiritual light pervading this earth and the destruction of darkness and ignorance. By Ajitha Menon (ANI)