​Lamps, lanterns light up markets in Hubli

HUBLI: Diwali spirit has gripped the city where markets are abuzz with people making purchases ahead of the festival of lights. Clay lamps, decorative lanterns, rangoli moulds and fire crackers are selling hot.
Different kinds of clay lamps are being sold at Durgadbail, Marathagalli and at various shopping malls at prices starting from Rs 25 to Rs 50 for a dozen.Star-shaped lamps are a huge rage, selling at Rs 40 a dozen.
Colourful lanterns made of paper and plastic are priced between Rs 10 and Rs 500.
Parvez Byadgi, proprietor of a shop selling lanterns at Durgadbail said, "There is huge demand for lanterns. This year sales have gone up beyond our expectations. We are expecting more business in the next couple of days."
Ritika Jain, a customer said, "I bought a paper lantern in lotus shape for Rs 250 from Durgadbail and purchased a dozen of star-shaped clay lamps. It was for the first time that I found clay clamps in star shape. We can light five wicks in one clay lamp."
Another shopper Shubash Shetty at Easy Day at Urban Oasis Mall said, "There are a variety of lamps and laterns. I bought half a dozen of lamps at Rs 50 and a lantern at Rs 400."
Vimal Talikoti, secretary of Fireworks Dealers Association, Hubli said sale of crackers has picked up and there is no increase in the prices of crackers this year.