Hyderabad: Diwali is here, bringing with it the tradition of shopping and gifting. From neighbours to friends far away, family, parents, bosses, and everyone dear — people are exchanging gifts. But what exactly are Hyderabadis choosing to give? Is it the traditional box of sweets, the trendy Alexa, or perhaps clothing? Some may even opt for more sustainable gifts like plants. So, what’s trending in Diwali gift-giving this year? Markets are bustling, from the Old City to Secunderabad’s General Bazar and the upscale malls of Hi-Tech City. At Cherma’s in Abids, families were seen shopping together, picking out clothes for themselves, family, and friends. “We usually give sweets to those we gift,” shared one customer while her son played nearby. Sweets, a classic Diwali gift, still dominate the market, with sweet shops stocked up with Diwali gift boxes, chocolates, and more. Sweet shops across the city, all decked up, barely had time to breathe as orders came in one after another. “Balaji sweets remain my go-to sweet shop,” noted a shopper. Next to Cherma’s, a row of jewellery stores were seen all decorated and ready to welcome a crowd of customers. Even a brief pause in front of a store invites eager attendants to welcome you in. Speaking on jewellery sales, Rakesh Tiruveedhula, director of RS Brothers and owner of Narayani Jewellers, shared, “This Diwali, people are more interested in silver especially with the rising gold prices. Sales have been good, and with the wedding season approaching, we expect more business.” At General Bazaar, fairy lights and other Diwali decorations were in full display. Uma D, spotted at Pot Market with a large bag of flowers, shared, “These are for decorating my place. It’s an important Diwali ritual for us.” More conscious buyers are turning to sustainable options. Eco-friendly gifts are trending on Google and other platforms, with reusable items, plants, and other green gifts gaining popularity. Ferns N Petals, known for its plants, is a go-to for those sending gifts across distances. Nurserylive, offering seeds, and gardening essentials, is another favourite for green gifting. People are also supporting local artisans by choosing indigenous handicrafts. “Gifting sustainable products is better than perishable ones. They remain as a memory, a reminder of the giver, and they’re something you can take care of,” says Abhijeet Bose, who lives in Madhapur with his wife who is a keen gardener. Some health-conscious shoppers are choosing dry fruits ove sweets, while others go a step further, gifting gym memberships or health products. “I’m sending healthy gifts to my friends. Especially for my parents, it’s important to consider their health. And if I can’t think of anything else, I go for Alexa,” says an IT professional, chuckling, who claimed that he gifted a gym membership to a friend as a New Year’s gift.
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