Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Sept 23, 2025 (BSS) –With only a few days left for the Sharadiya Durga Puja, the biggest religious festival of the Hindu community, shopping spree has gained momentum in various shopping malls in Chattogram and its neighboring upazilas. 

Besides new clothing and fashion items, devotees are flocking to narrow market alley to traditional shopping places to buy Shankha (conch), Shakha (white conch shell bangles worn by married Hindu women), vermilion, and other traditional items.

During a visit by BSS correspondent at major shopping malls and traditional market places that included New Market, Terry Bazaar, Riazuddin Bazaar, Afmi Plaza, Sanmar Ocean City, Akhtaruzzaman Center, Finlay Square it was evident that the shoppers were on the binge to complete their occasional buying as per choice before beginning of the formal Puja festival.
 
People were purchasing saris, dhoti-Punjabi, and children's clothing. The sellers were busy attending to customers in their shops, while shoppers were seen filling their shopping bags with a variety of items.

Devotees are flocking to the narrow lanes to purchase Shankha (conch), Shakha and other traditional items. Around 100 items are needed for Durga Puja, most of which can be found in different shopping malls, particularly in Terribazar in the city. Devotees from all over the country, as well as vendors from nearby upazilas, are visiting Terribazar to buy puja essentials at wholesale prices.

Families arrive in groups to purchase Shakha, Shankha, vermilion, sandalwood (chandan), and a wide range of worship and decorative items available at Terri Bazaar. 

Shoppers at Terribazar and Reazuddin Bazar were seen busy with buying crowns, saris, ornaments, lace, vermilion, flower garlands, symbolic weapons, and pots for idol decoration. All worship accessories are available at Terri Bazaar, attracting buyers from near and far.

The shops selling Shakha, vermilion, and Shankha are crowded with buyers who were browsing the shops to explore items of their choice with lucrative designs. Prices for Shakha varies in their rate based on quality and ranging from TK 250 to TK 6,500 per pair. 
 
While sharing his memories, a shop owner of city’s traditional Reazuddin Bazar told this correspondent that in the past most shops in the area used to craft Shakha using traditional methods by skilled artisans. However, this practice has started fading over the time gradually thanks to the introduction of new technology  

“Now machines are used to make conch shells with intricate designs instead of handmade Shakha. While handmade Shakha is of higher quality, machine-made products offer a wider variety of designs, leading people to prioritize design choices over traditional craftsmanship” he said.
 
Ashok Chakraborty, a customer at Terri Bazar in the city mentioned that he used to visit the area each year on ahead of Durga Puja to purchase Shakha.
 
I purchased a pair of Shakha for TK 600. If my family like the design, I have plan to buy another pair to adorn with gold. The prices are standard this year.
 
Arjun Nath, a shop owner in Terribazar said that Shakhas are sold throughout the year, with a slight increase in sales before Durga Puja. During this festive period, customers typically purchase two to three pairs of Shakhas. The prices range from TK 300 to TK 6,000 per pair. Sales tend to peak two to three days before the puja.

Nath also noted that people from various upazilas in Chattogram visit Terribazar to buy Shakhas, especially since the high-quality Shakhas available in Terri Bazaar are not available in other areas. Customers can easily knock different shops to find out the perfect shells for their Shakhas.

Shop owners like Narayon Das mentioned that they offer everything needed for puja, including garlands, decorations, and priests. Customers from various places come to buy these decorative items. 

Additionally, clothing and cosmetic products imported from different countries like India and Pakistan are available at shopping centers such as Mimi Super Market, Teri bazar, Reazuddin Bazar, Amin Center, Sanmar Ocean City, Moti Tower, and Chattogram Shopping Complex. Departmental shops and market authorities have announced attractive prizes, cash discounts, raffle draws, and instant coupons to attract customers.