COLOURFUL displays and crowded aisles set the scene at Johor Baru’s two Deepavali bazaars as visitors make their final rounds before the festival.
While most come seeking clothing and traditional treats, many simply savour the familiar bustle and lively atmosphere that mark the countdown to Deepavali each year.
For account executive S. Puvanes, 36, visiting Deepavali bazaars has become a yearly tradition for her family.
“I enjoy coming to the bazaar with my family, even when there is nothing in particular that we need to buy.
“Although we can easily get most of these items online, it is the experience of being here and soaking in the festive spirit that make it special.
“There are also plenty of things to see, from traditional Indian clothes to festive biscuits, and some items are cheaper here (than online),” said the mother-of-three when met at the Deepavali bazaar along Jalan Ungku Puan in Johor Baru.
Meanwhile, Singaporean S. Divya, 23, enjoys crossing the Causeway to browse the bazaars in Johor Baru and shop for traditional Indian clothes.
“We come to Johor Baru once every few months, usually just to look around and see what is available.
“We do not normally do our Deepavali shopping in JB, but we do get our traditional clothes tailored here.
“Sometimes, if we see something we like while walking around, we will buy it,” said the university student who was visiting with her mother, G. Vany, 48.
Also soaking in the colour and festive music were Swedish students Milla Svensson, 24, and Wilma Andersson, 22, who stumbled upon the Deepavali bazaar while exploring Johor Baru for the first time.
“We are studying in Singapore. And we thought it would be nice to visit Johor Baru.
“We did not know there was a Deepavali bazaar here, so it was a pleasant surprise to come across it.
“It is our first time seeing something like this, and there are so many beautiful things to look at. We are looking forward to exploring more of what the bazaar has to offer,” said Svensson.
Last-minute shoppers
For traders, the festive season is also the perfect opportunity to boost sales, with many hoping to attract more customers as Deepavali draws closer.
Festive biscuit trader Michael Suresh Edward, 54, said business was relatively slow so far, but he expects sales to pick up in the next few days.
“Most local customers tend to wait until the last minute to do their festive shopping, while Singaporeans generally come by earlier.
“There are also more Deepavali expos this year in Johor Baru. So the crowds are spread out across different locations.
“The haze has also affected business slightly, especially during the daytime, but we still see customers coming in the evenings and on weekends,” he said when met at his stall.
Michael, who has run his stall for a decade, noted that vendors had to rethink their pricing strategies to keep shoppers buying.
“Previously, we sold our festive biscuits for between RM30 and RM35 per bottle, but we have had to lower our prices to suit customers’ budgets.
“Instead of selling them individually, we now offer promotional packages, such as five bottles for RM100, where customers can choose from different types of biscuits,” he said.
R. Kalai, 48, who sells traditional Indian chappals (sandals), hopes business will pick up as Deepavali draws closer.
“Business has been slower this year compared to last year, but we hope that more people will come out to shop in the final days leading up to Deepavali.
“That has been the trend every year and I believe it will hold true this year as well,” said Kalai, who has been operating her stall at the bazaar here for the last four years.
K. Subash, 49, who sells traditional clothes, said business had been improving after a slow start.
“We have been seeing more customers coming to shop for traditional Indian clothes, especially those who are doing their last-minute Deepavali shopping.
“We hope the weather will be good so that more people can come out and shop comfortably,” he said.
According to Johor Baru Little India Cultural Association chairman Datuk N. Nilaraja, there are a total of 200 stalls at the Deepavali bazaar, the same as last year.
“Last year, we had at least 1,000 visitors daily.
“This year the bazaar had a slow start due to the rainy weather, but I think we should be able to reach our target of attracting at least 50,000 visitors,” he said.
Good support
Over at the Deepavali bazaar in Taman Tampoi Indah, clothing trader R. Thenmolle, 35, finds that business has been encouraging, especially after Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi launched a Deepavali celebration here last weekend.
“We have been receiving good support from customers, including those from Singapore, and the crowds are especially lively during the weekends.
“Last weekend was particularly busy as there were also activities and performances held here, which helped attract more visitors.
“Although the rain has affected business slightly during the daytime, people still come to shop later in the day,” she said.
Thenmolle, who works full-time as an engineer, is participating in the bazaar for the first time together with her friend, fellow engineer N. Sravanya, 35.
“We have been running an online business for over a year, but this is our first time selling our products at a physical bazaar.
“We have talked about doing this for quite some time and finally decided to give it a try this year.
“So far, the response has been encouraging, especially for our children’s traditional clothing collection, which has been our bestseller,” said Thenmolle.
N. Puspa, 25, who sells traditional Indian snacks and festive biscuits, also finds that business has been encouraging despite the unpredictable weather.
“Sales have been quite good over the past two to three weeks, especially during weekends when we see more customers.
“On weekdays, business is usually slower during the day, but the crowds start picking up in the evenings.
“Even when it rains, people will still come out to shop once the weather improves,” she said.
Johor Indian Petty Traders and Small Business Association chairman D. Ravindran said the bazaar at Taman Tampoi Indah was targeting 100,000 visitors.
“We had around 50 stalls last year, but this year it has been increased to 70.
“Last year, we had an estimated 50,000 visitors.
“I think we can expect an increase this year as we have also prepared a dedicated parking area for visitors,” he said.
Both bazaars are open until Deepavali eve from 10am until midnight.
