Indian community members prefer physical bazaars over online shopping for Deepavali

Indian community members in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, continue to visit physical markets to purchase supplies for the Deepavali Festival of Lights.

Traders at the Deepavali Carnival Bazaar in Little India Seremban report that physical shopping remains a primary choice despite the growth of online retail. Customers visit the bazaar to inspect and try on traditional clothing, snacks, and home decorations.

While younger shoppers increasingly use internet platforms, many people still prefer to assess fabric materials and quality in person before buying. Local merchants have adjusted their offerings to remain competitive. One clothing trader noted that prices for traditional attire have dropped from RM250 to RM300 down to between RM150 and RM180. Another jewelry trader reported that physical stores remain the preferred destination for elderly shoppers, especially when merchants offer discounts of up to 50 per cent during the carnival.

The bazaar also sees a surge in service demands, such as henna painting. Artists report double the usual bookings as customers from both the Indian and Malay communities arrive to decorate their hands. Officials expect the 10-day carnival to attract more than 30,000 visitors to see the 140 traders participating in the event.