Diwali is a festival of lights and it is widely celebrated across India. However, ever since the Covid 19 pandemic, things have changed especially for the small business owners.
With India announcing two lockdowns since March 2020, the small business owners suffered great losses across the sub-continent. However, as India begins to re-open and domestic businesses are up and running, things seem to be better than the past year for a few small shop owners.
Vibes of India took to the streets of Ahmedabad to talk to people about their Diwali and the Gujarati New Year, to talk about the experience as compared to the past year of hardships.
Talking to us, a lady selling flowers on the streets said that she is happy as her business has been better this year. Other than selling flowers, she also sells vegetables and throughout lockdowns and the Covid 19 pandemic, her business has been good if not the best.
Further talking to VoI, a small eatery owner in Bodakdev said, “The business is better than last year. The business was shut for most of the lockdown and even in the small windows when lockdown norms were lifted, people did not want to eat outside.”
He added, “Last year was really hard. Due to god’s grace, this year has turned out much better.”
Meanwhile, another street vendor selling flowers on the streets of Vastrapur said, “I didn’t get to celebrate Diwali as we were not able to make much money.”
The wife of the vendor added, “we couldn’t buy new clothes for our children due to lack of money. “
And due to lack of business, the flowers they had gotten are also going bad. Since they don’t have a home, they have been on the streets.
She continued and said that they haven’t received any help from anyone. She further informed that yesterday, someone gave her son a firecracker which burst in his hand. The boy suffered some burns and the family hasn’t been able to buy medicines as there has been no business.
Diwali and Gujarat’s New Year has had a mixed effect on the small shop owners. While for some it meant good business, but for some, it was filled with injuries and yet another day of hunger.
Very good coverage