Pune witnessed massive festive shopping rush on Sunday, marking the last weekend before Diwali.
Traditional and modern decorative items saw high demand, with heavy crowds in local markets and malls.
Shoppers from rural parts of Pune district added to the festive buzz, boosting business across the city.
Pune, 13 October 2025: With Diwali just around the corner, Pune witnessed an overwhelming rush of shoppers on Sunday, the final weekend before the festival. From early morning, major city markets and suburban shopping areas were packed with families eager to complete their festive purchases.
Traditional Diwali items like clothes, jewellery, lanterns, diyas, sweets, and decorative goods were in high demand. Alongside these, modern décor pieces and eco-friendly products were also popular this year. Popular shopping hubs such as Laxmi Road, Tulshibaug, Mandai, Bohri Ali, and Ravivar Peth were filled with enthusiastic buyers.
Families stepped out together, turning shopping into a festive outing. Malls across the city recorded huge footfalls, with “festival offers” and discounts attracting customers in large numbers. In several places, long queues formed outside popular saree and clothing stores, while security personnel were deployed at malls to manage the crowds.
Suburban markets in Aundh, Baner, Wakad, Hadapsar, Kothrud, Katraj, and Pimpri-Chinchwad were equally vibrant. Many local vendors set up small seasonal stalls selling handmade gifts and decorations, which drew strong interest. By evening, these streets came alive with festive lights, and shops stayed open late into the night.
A significant number of shoppers also arrived from rural areas of Pune district, including Baramati, Junnar, Bhor, Daund, and Mulshi. They primarily bought clothes, crackers, and festive decorations, with city markets like Tulshibaug and major malls proving to be major attractions. Traders noted that the influx of rural buyers gave a strong boost to the city’s economy during the festive period.
This year’s shopping season also brought several new decoration trends, including smart LED lanterns, rangoli stencils, and eco-friendly gift-wrapping paper. Many customers were drawn to these modern additions while still embracing traditional styles. Social media promotions by shopkeepers also played a role, with customers arriving specifically to buy newly advertised products.
Aditya Shirsat, a professional from Pune, remarked, "The city is filled with joy during Diwali shopping each year. Our family came together to purchase clothes and decorations. Even with the crowds, the festive spirit made it a pleasant experience." Shopper Mukta Rane added, "This week is essential for Diwali shopping. I bought new paper lanterns and vibrant diyas; the selection this year is incredible."
As the city lights up for Diwali, Pune’s bustling markets and glowing malls reflect the spirit of togetherness, tradition, and celebration that defines the festival.
