Coventry businesses say cost-of-living crisis impacting Diwali celebrations
Diwali food, jewellery and diva lamps are traditionally gifted during this period.
Local Asian-run shops are noticing a drop in sales this festive period, as the rising cost of living has led to a change in buying habits.
Today, many are celebrating the Hindu New Year, following Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas on Monday.
The festival of lights is one of the most important events in the Hindu, Jain and Sikh calendars - with people marking the occasion with colourful decorations and an abundance of food.
However, many say they needed to scale-down on the festivities this year, due to soaring food prices and energy bills.
One shopper told our reporter: “There’s a lot of things we’ve cut down on, like fireworks and gifts.
“But it’s like our Christmas, so we’ve been saving up all year to splash out where we can.”
Sanjeev Sansoy is the owner of the Standard Sweet Centre on Foleshill Road.
He said: “This year has been busy, but we have seen a reduction in what people are buying.
“When they would normally buy 10 to 12 boxes of sweets, now it’s gone down to three or four.”
Mr Sansoy added: “Instead of gifting to a lot of people, as they normally would, I think they’re only sticking to immediate family.”
Rising inflation has also impacted business in the area - as basic ingredients, like oil and flour, to make traditional Indian sweets has more than doubled.
Mr Sansoy explained: “We’re trying not to pass on the cost to the consumer, but there came a point where we had to.
“I know other local businesses have had to increase their prices again, but we’re trying to hold off as long as we can.”
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