KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — The atmosphere in Brickfields is turning lively as Deepavali approaches on Monday, with crowds, particularly from the Indian community, thronging the area to shop for festive essentials.
A Bernama check found rows of shops offering traditional attire, accessories and Indian sweets buzzing with customers choosing sarees, kurtas and home decorations in preparation for the Festival of Lights.
Textile trader R. Pushpa, 53, said sales have picked up since last weekend, with many customers looking for matching outfits for the whole family.
“Business was slow last week, but now more people are coming, especially in the evenings and on weekends. Many of our regulars also return,” she told Bernama at her shop here.
Pushpa, who has been operating in the area for more than five years, said this year’s sales have been more encouraging compared with last year, with shoppers appearing more enthusiastic about buying new clothes.
Meanwhile, Indian sweets seller M. Krishnan, 52, said popular sweets such as laddu, jalebi and palkova are in high demand.
“Orders are increasing every day. We’ve had to restock frequently because many customers are already placing advance orders for family and friends,” he said, adding that the aroma of freshly made sweets each morning continues to draw loyal customers, including those from outside Kuala Lumpur.
One shopper, A. Suguna, 29, a nurse from Subang Jaya, made her way to Brickfields after work to buy clothes and sweets for her family in Seremban.
“I come here every year because there’s a wide selection and the atmosphere feels festive. This year, I want to make sure everything’s ready before heading home for the holidays,” she said.
Though tired after work, Suguna said the vibrant sights and sounds of Brickfields have heightened her excitement for her trip home to celebrate Deepavali.
Flower vendor A. Sivananthan, 54, said sales have started to pick up and expects the weekend to be the busiest period as the celebration draws near.
“By then, this whole area, especially the flower stalls, will be packed, and we usually sell out completely,” he said.
The check also found jewellery and accessory shops bustling with shoppers, while colourful lights and oil lamps have begun to adorn the shopfronts, adding sparkle to the festive mood in Brickfields.
