ALTHOUGH online purchase is increasingly becoming the choice of the public, especially young people, “Little India” in four states remains the focus to get their supplies when making preparation for the Deepavali celebration.

A survey by Bernama at Little India in Brickfields today found the area to be lively with various decorations that evoke the spirit of the Festival of Lights on Sunday.

A trader, T. Vimalraj, 24, said although the number of visitors had dropped, he still had his loyal customers.

“There’s a drop in my sales this year. Last year, I would restock my supply of kuih, murukku everyday to meet demand,” he said.

In PENANG, a survey at Jalan Kampung Benggali found shoppers looking for decorative items, besides clothing and cookies.

Despite the air of festivity, traders said business was not as good as last year and most of them attributed the poor sales to online competition.

Clothing dealer, R. Tamil Arisee, 64, said the emergence of online sales has affected his 15-year-old business, but is grateful to have regular customers.

“The clothes I sell are of high quality and imported from India, as well as Pakistan, so customers who are familiar will definitely come here,” he said.

In SELANGOR, the Hindus crowded the Little India at Jalan Tengku Kelana, Klang, to do their last minute shopping.

A private sector retiree, K. Sivakumar, 53, said he and his wife Luna Luwa, 52 – who is of Bidayuh descent – choose to shop here every year for their Deepavali needs.

“We also do our shopping in other areas in Selangor and Kuala Lumpur to get goods at a reasonable price,” he said.

In NEGRI SEMBILAN, a survey found the Little India on Jalan Yam Tuan lively with traders selling not just food and clothing, but also jewellery and flowers.

Trader, S. Nagaranee, 62, from Rasah, Seremban said it has been a routine for her and her husband to sell fresh flowers on the sidewalk in the area every time before Deepavali.

They have been doing so for the past 10 years.

“I only do business two days before Deepavali. We have regular customers and our flowers are always sold out,” he said. – Bernama, November 10, 2023.