Lokhandwala Market lights up again for Diwali after a year's break, traders raise funds

Lokhandwala Market in Andheri West is glowing with lights again this Diwali. The Lokhandwala Traders Association, after taking a year's break, has once again had the market road decorated. The lights were missing last year.

The association had not put up lights last year. Shopkeepers said people had begun shopping online, which cut sales and hurt business. This time the picture is different. The entire 800-metre stretch of Lokhandwala Complex Road where the market stands has been decked with strings of lights. It is a clear sign that customers have returned to their favourite Lokhandwala Market.

Dhaval Shah, founder and member of the Lokhandwala Oshiwara Citizens Association, said, "In the suburbs, this is a unique tradition of our area. We are the only ones doing this on such a grand scale. People come to see these lights from all over Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane and places around Mumbai."

Shah added, "We posted videos of the lights on social media, and they have gone viral. This creates a good atmosphere in the city. Instead of the usual complaints about roads and other things, this gives joy to everyone who sees it, and we are proud that it is in our area."

Ashok Kumar, a shopkeeper at Sabhyata Store on the market road, said, "There were no lights last year, so we had to bring them back this time. During the fund collection, we gave Rs 12,000. What is special about the lights for us is that they attract people, which increases footfall at the shops. If even two out of five people buy something every day, we earn more than what we gave to the fund."

Rikit Dedhia, who runs Rikit Nutritional Supplements, said, "Our shop gave Rs 12,000, but some other shops have given between Rs 10,000 and Rs 14,000. The lights help our business, because people come to see them and buy things from the shops for Diwali."

Raichand Jain, president of the Lokhandwala Traders Association, said, "This year Mumbaikars showed how much they love Lokhandwala Market. We had no difficulty raising funds for the decorations. This is our way of inviting Mumbaikars to our shops, so that we can make their Diwali special."

Another member of the association said, "Last year, along with a shortage of funds, our association also had no organiser. But this time we have put in full effort. About 60 per cent of the market's shopkeepers have contributed money for the decorations."