As December progresses, the city of Ranchi is already wrapping itself in the vibrant colors of the festive season. The usual hustle of city life is being charmingly displaced by splashes of red, green, and gold, signaling the early arrival of Christmas cheer across the capital of Jharkhand.
Markets Transform into Festive Hubs
Key commercial areas in the city have undergone a magical makeover. Busy centers like Upper Bazar, Firayalal Chowk, Lalpur, Kanke, and Main Road are now adorned with dazzling displays. Shopfronts are competing for attention with dangling stars, twinkling fairy lights, glittering wreaths, and cheerful Santa Claus figurines, creating picturesque scenes that attract both shoppers and photographers.
Stalls overflowing with tinsel, shiny baubles, and handmade paper stars are becoming popular stops. Curious onlookers frequently pause to browse and often capture pictures of the vibrant window displays before stepping inside to make their purchases.
High Demand for Trees and Decorations
Decor shop owners report a consistent increase in customer inquiries and sales. The demand spans from traditional pine-look artificial Christmas trees to space-saving tabletop versions. Alongside trees, items like bells, ribbons, candles, and energy-efficient LED lights are flying off the shelves.
Rakesh Sahu, who operates a decor stall near Upper Bazar, notes the early shopping trend. "People are already picking up small decorations to avoid the last-minute rush. Stars and fairy lights are selling the fastest," he observed. This indicates a shift towards planned festive shopping among residents.
Festive Staples and Price Points
The market offers a wide range of products to suit every budget. Christmas tree prices currently range from Rs 300 for compact tabletop models to Rs 1,000 for taller artificial trees, with variations based on size and quality of finish.
Among the most affordable and fast-moving items are Santa caps. Priced between Rs 50 and Rs 150, these caps are a hit, especially with children and groups. Designs featuring LED lights or fur trim are particularly popular, adding an extra element of fun to the celebrations.
The early and enthusiastic embrace of Christmas decor in Ranchi not only highlights the city's festive spirit but also points to a thriving seasonal economy. As the days count down to Christmas, the glow from the markets is set to shine even brighter, spreading joy and anticipation throughout the community.
