India, Sept. 26 -- City Beautiful's bustling markets are awash with colour, devotion and excitement. From Sector-17 Plaza to the busy lanes of Sector 22, and from Sector-19's Palika Bazaar to Patel Market in Sector 15, every corner of the city is echoing with the spirit of celebration. Shoppers are thronging shops to pick up everything from festive outfits to pooja essentials, marking the start of one of the most-awaited times of the year. Shoppers are spoilt for choice as vibrant Navratri wear have flooded the markets. Traditional ghagras, lehengas, cholis, and embroidered kurta sets dominate the racks. Many shops are also offering Indo-fusion pieces - mirror-work kurtas, boho blouses, and multicolour dupattas - that blend tradition with a modern touch. Matching accessories such as oxidised jewellery and colourful bangles are in high demand, completing the perfect festive look. Pooja, who manages Dhawan store in Sector 22's Shastri Market, says they have been seeing huge demand for bandhani dupattas, thanks to Instagram. "Garba and Dandiya nights have started to become a fad in Chandigarh, which is driving the demand," she adds. Rinku, who runs a compact but vibrant apparel kiosk in Sector-19 market, notes the same trend. "It's only the fourth day of Navratri, but by the fifth day the footfall will be huge," he says. "Keeping the demand and latest styles in mind, we've specially stocked up on mirror-work skirts in vivid reds, greens and yellows that sparkle under the festive lights." According to Dinesh Jain of Jain Fashioners, the jewellery scene has transformed dramatically since they opened in 1992. "These days, customers prefer vibrant yet lightweight pieces that are easy to wear, but still exude class," he says, pointing to trays of oxidised chokers, mirror-work earrings, temple-inspired jhumkas, and delicate kundan bangles shimmering under the shop lights. "Just wait till you see the collection we're bringing in for Karwa Chauth," he adds with a smile. "I've been perfecting my dance moves for Dandiya night this weekend. I'm planning to pair my ghagra-choli with a vibrant phulkari dupatta to bring a touch of Punjabiness to the festivities," says Gurnoor, a shopper. This year, home decor items have taken centre stage too. Handcrafted torans, bandhanwars, colourful rangoli stencils, brass diyas and fairy lights are prominently displayed at roadside stalls, markets as well as upscale decor stores in malls. Customers are also enjoying special prices after the GST reduction. Markets are seeing brisk sales of Navratri pooja essentials as well. Kalash sets, floral wall hangings, chunris, incense sticks, camphor, and idols are being sold in ready-to-use kits. Dry fruit counters too, especially in Sector 22 and 35 markets, are witnessing long queues. "Besides the regulars, people are very much keen on buying muesli, pumpkin seeds, Californian almonds, and makhanas," says Devi Dayal, who works at N Singh and Sons in Sector 22. Shopkeepers say footfall has significantly increased over the past week. While some shoppers are opting for high-end designer boutiques, others are flocking to street stalls for budget-friendly finds. Chirag, who runs a Punjabi jutti shop in Sector 17 founded by his father Anil, says most of their customers have been loyal for years. Rows of handcrafted juttis - from soft leather pairs to ones adorned with colourful thread work, sequins, and zari embroidery - line the shelves of his shop. "For them, we've kept the prices of our juttis and sandals below Rs.1,000," he shares. Parkash Kaur, a resident of Sector 35, who was out shopping, says, "During the festive season, I prefer not to bargain with shopkeepers and vendors. It's their time as well; let them earn a little extra so their families can enjoy the festivities just as we do."...