India, Oct. 11 -- Colourful outfits, sparkling accessories and the fragrance of incense have set the festive mood in Chandigarh's bustling markets. From Sector-17 Plaza and the busy lanes of Sector 22 to Palika Bazaar and Patel Market, shoppers are making a beeline for festive ensembles and puja essentials. Ghagras, lehengas, cholis and embroidered kurta sets dominate the racks, while mirror-work shirts, boho blouses and multi-coloured dupattas add a contemporary twist to traditional dressing. Pooja, who manages Dhawan store in Sector-22's Shastri Market, says bandhani dupattas are in demand, with Instagram influencing shoppers' choices. "Garba and Dandiya nights have started to become a fad in Chandigarh, which is driving the demand," she adds. Sandeep, whose shop in Palika Bazaar offers three-piece lehanga-choli sets with price starting from Rs.2,500, says designs have changed a lot since last year. Kesha, a customer seeking something with folk-art print on ghagra, says, "I am surprised at the choices available in city markets this year. One can easily find elephant and paisley prints on ghagras and lehangas, complemented by floral and geometric borders." Dinesh Jain of Jain Fashioners, established in 1992, says customers prefer "vibrant yet lightweight pieces that are easy to wear, but still exude class". His store's collection includes oxidised chokers, mirror-work earrings, temple-inspired jhumkas and kundan bangles. Festive shopping has extended to home decor, with handcrafted torans, bandhanwars, rangoli stencils, brass diyas and fairy lights on display across markets and stores. Shopkeepers have reported increased footfall, with shoppers exploring both designer boutiques and budget-friendly street stalls. At a Punjabi jutti shop in Sector 17, Chirag, whose father Anil founded the business, says handcrafted footwear remains popular. The shelves feature leather juttis embellished with colourful threadwork, sequins and zari embroidery. "We've kept the prices of our juttis and sandals below Rs.1,200," he says. For shopper Diksha, the festivities are also an opportunity to embrace Punjabi traditions. "I'm planning to pair my ghagra-choli with a vibrant phulkari dupatta to bring a touch of Punjabiness to the festivities," she says....