Hubballi's Holi Market Buzzes with Colors, Drums, and Festive Shopping Trends
Hubballi is gearing up for Holi this week, with festive energy spreading across neighbourhoods, markets, and commercial streets. As the festival nears, shopping hubs are seeing more footfall, with seasonal stalls appearing in prominent market areas and drawing steady crowds.
Temporary Outlets Offer Holi Essentials Across the City
Temporary outlets have come up across the city, offering Holi essentials ranging from colour powders to playful accessories. Stalls stacked with gulal are now a common sight. Along with classic reds, greens, yellows, and blues, vendors are also selling pastel tones and mixed blends, giving buyers more choice than in previous years. Customers are comparing prices and selecting colours for family gatherings, community events, and friendly celebrations.
Alongside gulal, vendors are stocking water guns, balloons, and other items popular with children and youngsters. However, some traders say sales in fancy items are slower than usual. Rafiq, a wholesale trader dealing in water guns and children's accessories, said the market is not picking up at the pace seen in earlier years, as many families are focused on children's examinations and other commitments.
Halgi Drums Gain Momentum in Festive Atmosphere
Adding to the festive atmosphere, roadside sales of ‘halgi' drums gained momentum. Several sellers display drums in different sizes, with some offering complete sets for groups planning neighbourhood celebrations and processions. Buyers are seen testing instruments while vendors demonstrate beats to highlight sound quality and craftsmanship. Prices vary by size, starting at Rs 180 and going up to Rs 900.
Suraj, a trader from Miraj in Maharashtra who set up a halgi stall at Old Court Circle, said the response is better as the festival draws closer. He added that buyers are also coming from neighbouring districts, and that halgi is becoming a growing trend during Holi celebrations.
Color Powder Demand Favors Traditional Over Organic Options
In the colour powder segment, Deepak Pawar of Gurudev Trading Company said demand remains stronger for traditional powders than organic options, mainly due to cost. He noted that wholesale prices for traditional colour powder dropped when compared to last year, with the current rate at Rs 3,200 per quintal, down from Rs 3,700. In retail, it is around Rs 6,000. Organic powders remain costlier, priced at around Rs 30 for an 80-gram sachet.
Overall, the market buzz signals Hubballi's readiness for Holi, with traders expecting the rush to intensify as the festival inches closer.
