Chattogram: With only a few days left for the Sharadiya Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, shopping spree has gained momentum in various shopping malls in Chattogram and its neighboring upazilas. Besides new clothing and fashion items, devotees are flocking to narrow market alley to traditional shopping places to buy Shankha (conch), Shakha (white conch shell bangles worn by married Hindu women), vermilion, and other traditional items.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, during a visit by a BSS correspondent to major shopping malls and traditional market places including New Market, Terry Bazaar, Riazuddin Bazaar, Afmi Plaza, Sanmar Ocean City, Akhtaruzzaman Center, and Finlay Square, it was evident that shoppers were eager to complete their occasional purchases before the formal Puja festival. People were purchasing saris, dhoti-Punjabi, and children’s clothing. Sellers were busy attending to customers in their shops, while shoppers filled their bags with a variety of items.
Devotees are thronging the narrow lanes to purchase Shankha, Shakha, and other traditional items. Around 100 items are needed for Durga Puja, most of which are available in different shopping malls, particularly in Terribazar in the city. Devotees from all over the country, as well as vendors from nearby upazilas, are visiting Terribazar to buy puja essentials at wholesale prices. Families arrive in groups to purchase Shakha, Shankha, vermilion, sandalwood (chandan), and a wide range of worship and decorative items available at Terri Bazaar.
Shoppers at Terribazar and Reazuddin Bazar were observed purchasing crowns, saris, ornaments, lace, vermilion, flower garlands, symbolic weapons, and pots for idol decoration. All worship accessories are available at Terri Bazaar, attracting buyers from near and far. The shops selling Shakha, vermilion, and Shankha are crowded with buyers browsing for items with lucrative designs. Prices for Shakha vary based on quality, ranging from TK 250 to TK 6,500 per pair.
A shop owner from Reazuddin Bazar shared that, in the past, most shops in the area crafted Shakha using traditional methods by skilled artisans. However, with the introduction of new technology, this practice has gradually faded. Machines are now used to make conch shells with intricate designs instead of handmade Shakha. While handmade Shakha is of higher quality, machine-made products offer a wider variety of designs, leading people to prioritize design choices over traditional craftsmanship.
Ashok Chakraborty, a customer at Terri Bazar, mentioned that he visits the area each year ahead of Durga Puja to purchase Shakha. He said, “I purchased a pair of Shakha for TK 600. If my family likes the design, I plan to buy another pair to adorn with gold. The prices are standard this year.”
Arjun Nath, a shop owner in Terribazar, noted that Shakhas are sold throughout the year, with a slight increase in sales before Durga Puja. During this festive period, customers typically purchase two to three pairs of Shakhas, with prices ranging from TK 300 to TK 6,000 per pair. Sales tend to peak two to three days before the puja.
Shop owners like Narayon Das mentioned that they offer everything needed for puja, including garlands, decorations, and priests. Customers from various places come to buy these decorative items. Additionally, clothing and cosmetic products imported from countries like India and Pakistan are available at shopping centers such as Mimi Super Market, Teri bazar, Reazuddin Bazar, Amin Center, Sanmar Ocean City, Moti Tower, and Chattogram Shopping Complex. Departmental shops and market authorities have announced attractive prizes, cash discounts, raffle draws, and instant coupons to attract customers.