GEORGE TOWN: It is a welcome relief for islanders this Deepavali with traffic seemingly lighter than usual despite being a festive holiday period.
With the clock ticking before Deepavali on Monday (Oct 20) and the start of the long school holiday, traffic across Penang was surprisingly light with fewer vehicles on the road compared with the usual weekends.
Motorists reported smooth journeys on the Penang Bridge and along several major roads including Jalan Pengkalan Kota and Jalan Masjid Negeri.
It is believed that many have started their travels since Friday to clear roads and allowed those heading out of town or returning home more time to spare for their journeys.
However, congestion has started to build up in Little India within the heritage enclave of George Town, as last-minute shoppers crowded the streets to prepare for the festival on Monday (Oct 20).
Several roads were closed to traffic to make way for pedestrians, while some parking lots were taken up by traders setting up canopies that left many motorists circling the area for parking or resorting to leaving their cars outside designated lots.
Marketing executive P. Menon, 29, who brought her family for some last-minute purchases said despite the chaos, the festive mood was unmistakable.
"We were supposed to finish shopping early this month, but work got in the way. Now I’m here picking up sweets and some new sarees for the family.
"Most shops are still open till late, so it helps. It’s chaotic, but this is part of the Deepavali spirit," she said.
Lorry driver K. Rajesh Kumar, 41, said he was relieved to be able to get his festive shopping done in time to bring cheer to his family.
"I just got my bonus two days ago, so only now can we buy the new clothes and decorations. It’s the same every year and we will be preparing till midnight. I’m just glad I managed to get what my kids wanted before everything runs out," he said.
Textile shop owner M. Selvam, 53, said while sales had been brisk, he still hoped to clear the remaining festive stock before the big day.
"We’ve been extending our hours for the past week. Business has been good, but I still have about 20% of festive stock left, mainly sarees and home decor items. Hopefully we can clear most of it and wrap up for the celebration. It is satisfying to see families getting together to prepare for Deepavali," he said.
