IPOH: Parrot and lotus-themed garland decorations are among the popular shopping items here this year.
S. Uma, a trader at Little India, said the parrot designs were a new addition to the range of festive decorations available, offering customers more than just the usual designs.
Besides being regarded by some as a symbol of good luck, she said the parrot was also attractive as a decorative item.
“The colourful garlands which come in different designs including with beads and pearl-like embellishments, are commonly hung at the entrances of homes and used to decorate temples.
“The lotus-themed decorations are also selling well, with customers having a variety of designs to choose from.
“Another new addition is the decorative kolam (decorative floor art) design, including gold-coloured patterns that can be placed outside homes to welcome visitors.
“Then there are also battery-operated candles which come in small colourful pots, and candles which light up by just filling it with water,” she said, adding that many bought this item to place around the kolam designs.
Another trader, R. Maheswari, said customers were showing interest in a variety of garlands, including newer designs featuring white, fluffy-looking material and colourful beads.
She said the traditional garlands continued to attract buyers, with the newer designs offering more decorative options for homes.
“The bead-adorned garlands, in particular, are popular as decorative pieces, with customers usually buying them in pairs.
“It is mainly used for decoration and commonly hung on doors or inside homes,” she said.
Trader S. Mala said decorative danglers featuring peacocks and elephants were among the hot-selling items.
Another item gaining attention is a decorative piece shaped like a matka (traditional pot), which can be placed on top of a kolam to enhance its appearance.
A family from Taiping made a trip to Ipoh to shop for new clothes and festive decorations for Deepavali.
Teacher H. Shankar, 45, said he and his family were looking for decorative items and clothes for the Festival of Lights.
Shankar, who was accompanied by his wife, also a teacher, and their two children aged 15 and 11, said they were drawn to the latest festive decorations, such as the parrot-themed garlands.
“I am also considering getting a ready-made kolam design, although my wife usually prefers making the traditional floor patterns herself,” he said.
