India, Nov. 7 -- As Diwali approaches, Hyderabad's traditional markets are bustling with activity. In Begum Bazaar and Sitaram Bazaar in the old city, and General Bazaar in Secunderabad, shoppers navigate crowded lanes lined with stalls selling flowers, coconuts, brooms, decorative lights, sweets and firecrackers. Wholesalers cater to bulk buyers, while smaller retailers hope to make the most of one of their busiest trading seasons.

But festive shopping is no longer confined to these markets. Quick-commerce platforms such as Blinkit, Zepto and Swiggy Instamart now deliver diyas, candles, rangoli colours and decorative lights to customers' doorsteps in minutes.

Is this convenience taking customers away from traditional markets?

Traders ...