On last Sunday before Pujas, markets see shoppers' surge

Kolkata: Almost all the market places witnessed a surge of puja shoppers on the last Sunday before the Pujas.

All the city-bound Metros were overcrowded from Sunday morning as people in large numbers took Metros to reach various markets and shopping malls. The people visited different shops and soaked in the spirit of Pujas which has already started with Sunday being Chaturthi.

The puja shoppers started thronging the shops at all the important market places like Esplanade and adjoining areas the numbers gradually went up in the afternoon. Many of these people had a plan to visit some of the puja pandals as well. All the Esplanade-bound Metros were more crowded than normal days. Most of the shoppers were found to get down at Esplanade and Park Street Metro stations to do their shopping.

Most of the shops situated near Esplanade area saw huge footfall. The streets were also overcrowded.

There were tight security arrangements on the streets to cope with the extra rush of the shoppers. Policemen were deployed in plainclothes to check any untoward incidents.

Police had already demarcated a particular place for the passers-by at different locations so that the roads can be kept clear. Policemen were deployed at all the important locations to check the incidents of eve-teasing and molestation in the crowded areas. Senior police officers were also deployed on the streets to manage crowds.

It is expected that all the roads in the city will lead to Kolkata's shopping destinations in the next few days with the countdown to Durga Puja already beginning. It is a festival when people splurge on new clothes, shoes and love to have good food while indulging in pandal hopping.

Dharmatala, New Market area, Park Street, Gariahat, Shyambazar witnessed huge footfall of puja shoppers on Sunday. Various shopping malls situated in the city also saw a surge in the number of buyers. The different shops have also come up with their best offers to woo the buyers.

The road-side eateries had made good business out of the shoppers who visited different food stalls to have their favourite dishes, besides shopping.