Little India, located at Jalan Tengku Kelana becomes a popular location for Hindus that are looking for a place to shop in preparation for Deepavali. The hustle and bustle has returned to Little India after the implementation of the National Recovery Plan (PPN) that allowed for more leniant measures. 

Visitors tend to purchase their traditional Sari and Dhoti clothing along with snacks and cakes such as muruku and other savory treats, ensuring that they have every necessity. 

Harekrishna Silk's Chief Marketing Officer Ms. S Gaithri said customers started flooding her shop over the past few weeks to find suitable attires. 

She said customers did not only come from around Selangor but also other states after the government allowed the fully vaccinated to travel inter-state. 

“Little India is indeed the focus for Hindus to make preparations. This year, everyone wants to make complete preparations as last year's celebration was toned down tremendously due to the pandemic." 

"To ensure that everyone can celebrate Deepavali, this year we are offering lower prices for our clothing. We understand that COVID-19 has affected many people, ”she said to Selangorkini. 

Super Win Sdn Bhd's Sales and Marketing Officer Mr. J Harikrishnan said his company had to increase their supply of basmathi and ponni rice after receiving encouraging response from customers.

“These two types of rice are suitable for the Briyani dishes. Many customers intend to serve the Indian dish during Deepavali, hence we had to increase our supply, ”he said.

Meanwhile, confectioner Mr. S Subramanian said his business - Archana Curry House is anticipating sales of 2,000 to 3,000 pieces of sweets a day starting next week.

"We sell 15 to 20 types of sweets. Now only in quantities of 200 to 300. We can't sell in large quantities as the treats only last a week."

“Sweets that are among the customer's favorites include laddu, jilebi and halwa. However, the sales volume is still not as much as before as we were worried that there won't be many customers, ”he said.

Last year's Deepavali celebrations were gloomy as the government had announced a blanket ban on inter-district and inter-state movement for those residing in Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) and Enforced Movement Control Order (EMCO) areas.

Religious ceremonies are only allowed on the first day of the celebration with strict standard operating procedures (SOP) for the Rehabilitation Movement Control Order (PKPP) and PKPB areas.

Pilgrimage activities are allowed with a maximum of 20 people consisting of the immediate family for landed residences while the strata cannot exceed 10 people.

Reference Links -
[1] Selangorkini