Inflation, Price Hike Worry Traders Old City soaks in festive mirth after Covid lull

The buzz is back in the Old city markets which are witnessing an increased footfall as three major festivals-Bathukamma, Navratri/ Dasara and Diwali are to take place next month.

Both wholesale and retail markets are bustling with shoppers that many traders are hoping to revive their businesses from the pandemic blow despite there is a rise in prices of all products.

"This festival season is crucial for us after two years of dull business. Even this year's Sankranti sales were interrupted due to Covid-19. Dasara and Bathukamma see a lot of rush, especially for sarees and we are banking on that this year," said Osman, a wholesale saree merchant at Ghansi Bazar.

Major markets like Thopkhana in Begum Bazar, Rikab Ganj near high court, Madina near Charminar are seeing a vibrant festive crowd for sarees, dress materials, jewellery and gift items.