Shopping ahead of Durga Puja. Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Sept 25, 2025 (BSS) - Shopping ahead of Durga Puja, the largest religious festival of the Hindu community, has gained momentum in Rajshahi city and its adjacent areas with people thronging markets and malls to purchase dresses, worship items, and other festival essentials.

Markets and shopping malls in the city are witnessing a significant rush of buyers, especially women, who are purchasing sarees, salwar-kameez, and other festive clothing. Traditional items like Tangail Tant, Jamdani sarees, Katan, Halfsilk , Georgette, Banarasi Katan, Bombay Katan, and embroidered saris are in high demand this season.

A notable crowd was seen at popular shopping hubs including Shaheb Bazar, RDA Market, and New Market, where customers were busy selecting sarees, dhoti-Punjabis, children's outfits, shoes, and imitation jewelry. Retailers said shoppers are also showing growing interest in vermilion, bangles, Shankha, Shakha, chandan (sandalwood), and various decorative and worship items.

Vendors and retailers expressed satisfaction with the growing sales, noting that many buyers are opting for local shopping this year, as several could not obtain Indian visas in time to visit Kolkata for shopping.

"We are witnessing a good turnout of buyers this year. Festival-centric collections are drawing crowds. Though prices have increased slightly, customers are still purchasing," said Saheb Ali, a saree vendor at Shaheb Bazar.

Durga Puja shopping remains incomplete without silk, and in Rajshahi-famous for its high-quality silk-shopping in silk stores and showrooms has reached its peak. Locally woven silk fabrics, crafted by skilled artisans, are in high demand. Silk factories at BSCIC (Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation) are operating round the clock to meet the surging demand.

"Silk is inseparable from the Puja celebrations in Rajshahi. People of all ages, especially adolescents, are crowding silk showrooms to pick their favorite designs," said a local showroom manager.

Many buyers shared their excitement regarding the festive shopping.

"This year's collections are beautiful. I came to buy a half-silk saree for myself and a Katan saree for my mother-in-law," said Sampa Saha, a shopper from Laxmipur area.

"Durga Puja is our main religious festival. I bought new clothes for all my family members," said Sandhya Rani from Kumarpara area.

Retailers said the demand for both Indian and locally made garments, including stylish Punjabis and jeans, is high. Shoe stores also reported increased sales, with buyers opting for both branded and locally made products.

The five-day Sharadiya Durga Puja will formally begin on September 28 with Maha Shasthi, and conclude on October 2 with the immersion of the idols on Bijoya Dashami.