Personal touch: Many shoppers say they rather browse in person than to shop online. Shopping in person, they say, also allows them to enjoy the festive atmosphere. — YAP CHEE HONG/The Star
Shoppers say they enjoy picking out and buying festive items personally
KUALA LUMPUR: The passing of her mother is not stopping Vetha Nayagii from buying clothes and essentials in preparation for Deepavali.
She made her way to the bazaar in Little India, Brickfields, determined to keep alive the traditions her mother once cherished.
“It still feels heavy. I am still grieving but I must not stop celebrating Deepavali. If I celebrate, I believe she will be happy. I need to be strong and make preparations for my family,” she said.
Vetha, 24, shared that she only wished for a simple Deepavali this year.
“We plan to keep it small with just a few family members invited. We need a sense of peace as we are still mourning,” she added.
Accompanied by her friend and grandmother, Vetha said she prefers shopping in person rather than online, even in the rain, adding that she has set aside RM300 for a saree, shoes, jewellery and to do her nails.
Shivaneyswary, 33, a customer service worker from Perak, said despite the rise in prices, she takes pride in spending her own money to treat her family to new clothes.
“Despite the sluggish economy, spending my own money for my family gives me a different kind of feeling.
“I’m buying clothes for my parents, uncle and myself.
“My budget is RM500, so I need to be smart to get good quality clothes,” she said.
Shivaneyswary, who is shopping alone, chose to shop in person to enjoy the atmosphere and feel the vibes.
“I can’t wait to celebrate Deepavali together with my family in Perak.
“I have five siblings. We are a very huge family,” she said.
As shoppers bustled through stalls of colourful clothes and festive essentials, Ambiga Renganathan, 40, brought her children and mother to soak in the lively atmosphere.
She noticed that the selections this year are more diverse.
“I see a lot of new styles being displayed in the stores here.
“The traders are bringing in clothes from different parts of India,” said the entrepreneur from Subang Jaya.
Ambiga added that the festive spirit seemed to arrive earlier this year with the bazaar being set up ahead of time.
“I really love the atmosphere this year. Even with the rain, I still enjoy browsing and shopping,” she said, adding that she plans to head to Klang for more shopping.
She admitted that when it comes to Deepavali preparations, she prefers shopping in person.
“I’m not an online shopper, especially for this celebration. I need to see and feel the quality of the clothes myself.
“There are plenty of options online. Sometimes they’re cheaper but often, the quality doesn’t match what’s advertised.
“That’s why I am here browsing through the garments, comparing prices and trying to find the best quality for my family,” Ambiga said.
