Ranchi's Festive Spirit Dampened by Relentless Rains

According to the news report, persistent rain since last Friday has disrupted Ranchi's preparations for the upcoming Teej and Ganesh Chaturthi festivals. The continuous downpour has left key markets in the city, such as Main Road, Upper Bazar, and Daily Market, nearly deserted at a time when they are usually bustling with festive shoppers.

Traders in these markets have reported a poor turnout of customers, despite having invested heavily in puja materials and idols in anticipation of brisk business. A wholesaler at Puja Bhandar, Sunil Kumar, stated that the rain has left them facing significant losses, as their sales have barely reached 10% of their stock. With the two days before the festivals being the busiest for them, the persistent rain has kept potential customers indoors, leaving their investments unsold.

Shoppers, too, have had their festive plans disrupted by the weather. Anita Devi, a newly married resident of Lalpur, shared her disappointment at how the rain spoiled the excitement of her first Teej celebration after marriage. She had been waiting to buy sarees, bangles, and mehendi with her friends, but the continuous downpour kept them indoors for two days, limiting her options when she could finally step out on Sunday evening.

Textile shops and other traders in the Daily Market and Kokar areas also reported a lack of the usual festive shopping rush. Naveen Sharma, a saree trader at Upper Bazar, said the rain had spoiled everything, as the streets that are usually crowded with shoppers were empty. With just a day left before the festivals, the traders are now facing the challenge of recovering their investments.