Though the markets in Mahal and Gandhibagh areas reopened on Monday after a troubled week due to arson on March 17 night and subsequent imposition of curfew, the crowd was sparse. The markets did not see the usual festive rush ahead of ‘Gudhi Padwa’ and ‘Ramzan Eid’. ‘The Hitavada’ strolled through the markets to understand the impact of curfew that was imposed by City Police to control the situation after stone-pelting and arson on March 17 night. The curfew was relaxed in different affected parts of the city step by step, and it was lifted from all the affected areas including Mahal and Gandhibag markets on the afternoon of Sunday. Monday was the first full working day after a week-long shutdown of the markets.

 

These markets bear significance in city’s economy as most of the retailers from across the city and nearby areas source their supplies from there. These markets are also main destinations for the customers shopping for weddings and other functions, and purchasing clothes, footwear, jewellery, and other items. On Monday, however, the after-effects of the week-long curfew were clearly visible. Though the shops were open, many wore a deserted look waiting for the customers. Big establishments in the market, on the other hand, were packed with customers. Ishaan Jashnani, owner of a footwear shop, expressed relief over lifting of the curfew, even though it did not affect his business. “We have a loyal customer base. Even as our shop was closed for about a week, we received a good response after reopening our shop this morning,” he said. But, the apparel shops were not as lucky.

 

They lost the customers to other open markets in the city or other cities like Amravati. “Keeping the shop closed for one whole week in the peak season has caused a lot of damage to the cloth retailers. Many customers shifted to other markets in the city or chose to shop from cities like Amravati or Yavatmal,” rued Harish Jham, proprietor of a retail and wholesale shop for clothing in Gandhibag. The month of Ramadan also provides huge sales as members of Muslim community shop for Eid that marks the end of the month. This year, however, the turn of events might result in huge losses to retailers. “Many regular customers have switched to other markets in the city for Eid shopping,” said Rehan Sheikh, a clothes retailer in Mahal.

 

The low footfall in the market can be attributed to concerns in the minds of citizens regarding the safety in market areas, as many rumours are still spreading about the market shutting down in the day due to demolition of house of Fahim Khan, alleged mastermind of the March 17 incident. Despite the lifting of the curfew, the economic repercussions are evident. The loss of crucial sales during Ramadan, coupled with the potential impact on Gudhi Padwa and subsequent festivals, has left retailers in Mahal and Gandhibag markets hoping for a make-good period ahead. The road to recovery will require a concerted effort to address lingering safety concerns and rebuild the trust of shoppers, ensuring that the festive spirit, so vital to the city, can be restored.