All things Navratri, a click away

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By Manya Bhasin

From vrat thalis to dandiya sticks, online platforms bring festive essentials within easy reach, while traditional markets retain their charm

Chandigarh: Navratri has always been a festival of faith, devotion, fasting, colourful celebrations and traditional food. Today, preparing for the nine-day festival can begin with a few taps on a smartphone. From vrat thalis to dandiya sticks, online shopping platforms bring festive essentials closer to consumers, offering convenience and a variety of choices across budgets.

For those observing a fast, online food delivery listings offer a range of Navratri-special meals. Mini vrat thalis are listed at around Rs 249, while larger ones cost Rs 399 or more. Individual food items such as “kuttu atta poori”, “jeera aloo” and “sabudana”-based dishes are also available, allowing customers to order according to their appetite and budget. Some restaurants offer elaborate thalis featuring paneer dishes, potatoes, sweets, kheer and beverages, with prices varying according to the menu and portion size.

Chandigarh resident Rahul, who is observing the Navratri fast, says the ritual goes beyond food and devotion. “Navratri fasting is not just about detoxifying the body, it is also about cleansing the mind, strengthening religious faith and finding inner peace through devotion to Maa Durga,” he added.

For online shoppers, however, convenience comes with a few things to check. Ingredients and preparation practices matter for those following specific fasting rules. Portion sizes, packaging charges, delivery fees and minimum-order conditions can also affect the final bill. Availability may vary by restaurant and location.

Festive shopping extends beyond food. Online shopping platforms list dandiya sticks in different colours, designs, materials and sizes. Some wooden pairs are priced below Rs 100, making them an accessible option for casual celebrations. Shoppers can browse styles from home, but comparing dimensions, material quality, delivery timelines and return or replacement policies is important, particularly when buying for children.

During a visit to Chandigarh’s Sector 22 market, I found shoppers browsing festive items, comparing prices and checking product quality before making a purchase. Unlike online shopping, the market offers the advantage of seeing and feeling a product before taking it home.

“Customers want both variety and value during the festive season. Online platforms offer convenience and a wide selection, while shopping in the market allows people to see the products and check their quality before buying,” a shopkeeper selling Navratri items said.

Meanwhile, discount labels and attractive product photographs can make quick purchases tempting, but shoppers should compare the final payable amount across platforms, check seller ratings and read recent reviews before ordering.

From vrat thalis delivered to the doorstep to dandiya sticks picked from a bustling market, Navratri shopping has found a place both on screens and in the streets. Online platforms offer variety at a click, while markets bring the festive buzz alive. This Navratri, the shopping may begin with a tap, but the festive spirit lies in finding just the right things to celebrate.

(The writer is an intern with The North News)