Mohali, Oct. 30 -- Markets across the city, including Phase 3B1, Phase 3B2, Phase 7, Phase 1 and Sector 70, are preparing for the Diwali shopping rush. Traders in Phase 3B1 and Phase 3B2 expect a 30% to 40% increase in footfall compared with last year. Phase 3B1 recorded around 5,000 visitors during the festive period last year, while Phase 3B2 saw approximately 10,000. Festive decorations, clothing collections, home decor and gifting options are adding to the activity, while traffic management and parking remain important considerations as traders prepare for the anticipated rush. Market plazas are displaying colourful fairy lights, decorative arches and overhead floral decorations, while shopfronts feature festive clothing, brass puja items, LED tealights and decorative accessories. Fashion trends this season include traditional kurtas and lehengas with structured, corset inspired waists paired with flowing bottoms. Modal, Chanderi, and cotton silk fabrics featuring mirror work around necklines and borders are offering alternatives to heavily embellished festive wear. Thermal candle spinners are among the distinctive home decor products available at Nestasia on the second floor of CP67 Mall. The decorative pieces use the heat generated by a lit tealight to set a suspended metallic carousel in motion, creating moving shadows and patterns on nearby walls. Sukhwinder Pal Singh, president of the Phase 3B2 Market Association, said the association is making efforts to manage traffic during the festive season despite the market's limited space. With vehicle movement expected to increase during peak evening hours, parking and pedestrian access remain important considerations for Mohali's markets. Measures outlined in the market preparation plan include one-way routing in congested internal lanes of Phase 3B2 and Phase 7, removable barricades at entry points and towing support to clear illegally parked or broken down vehicles....