Jalan Masjid India is abuzz with last minute shoppers looking for good bargains for the upcoming Deepavali celebrations.

The rain and heavy traffic over the weekend did not stop shoppers flocking the area to get their traditional costumes, sweets, cookies and muruku.

Civil servant M. Subramaniam, 51, said he preferred to shop in Jalan Masjid India compared to other places because he is able to get everything from accessories, clothing and food in the area.

“It’s always merrier here and you can get everything from the latest fashion to the traditional Indian sweets like laddu and jelebi. I love spending Deepavali in Kuala Lumpur. This is where my heart lies,” Subramaniam said.

Another shopper M. Shanti, 56, also said she prefers shopping in Masjid India compared to Brickfields.”

“ You can really feel the Deepavali spirit here compared to other places and I love it here as I’ve been doing my shopping here over the years. But my children are planning to go to the Deepavali Carnival in Bukit Jalil, so I may also follow them there,” she said.

Housewife, A. Kalarani said Jalan Masjid India is “the” place to go for Deepavali shopping.

“I’ll be coming back here on the eve of Deepavali as it would be the best time to shop because things would be cheaper. “

Meanwhile, henna artiste S. Saraswathy said she is expecting to make between RM8,000 to RM10,000.

“This is my first time doing business here as I had previously set up a stall in Brickfields. I moved here this year is because City Hall did not allow us to open stalls in certain areas in Brickfields.”

“I don’t have specific (henna) designs and when people come to my stall and I’ll just draw whatever comes to my mind, but my customers don’t mind and they are pleased with the end results.”

58 -year-old P.Raju who sells muruku and cookies said although he offered pineapple tarts, almond cookies and other traditional sweets, muruku was still the top selling item at his stall.

Another trader, P. Ganesan who has a shoe stall in the area said business would usually pick up a day or two before Deepavali.

“My customers come back every year as they say they like the designs and the shoes also last a long time.

Toy seller Devi Karim said business has been good and both locals and tourists have been flocking her stall.

“It’s Deepavali and children would often also get new toys. I am also happy doing business here as the rental is affordable and I am satisfied with business this year.”