Kali Puja was observed on November 8 as two-day Diwali celebrations began across Assam. People prepared to light earthen lamps, decorate their homes with electric lights and draw rangoli designs.
Markets in Guwahati and other major towns in the state saw crowds buying traditional Diwali items and coloured electrical decorations.
Earthen lamps made by potters in Asharikandi in Dhubri were available in Guwahati markets for Rs 20 to Rs 50 a dozen. Larger earthen lamps and clay lamps were priced between Rs 100 and Rs 800.
Firecrackers from Sivakasi in south India and Barpeta were also on sale. Barpeta-made crackers were available for between Rs 200 and Rs 6,000, the report said.
Traders said business was weaker than in previous years, though they had not suffered losses. They said many buyers preferred earthen lamps and green crackers to other fireworks. Barpeta's century-old fireworks industry had completed its preparations for Diwali, the report said.
