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NEW DELHI:

Amid the fading calls to boycott Chinese goods this festive season, the markets of the national capital are sparkling with dazzling displays of lights, both Indian and imported. From multi-coloured LED strips to delicate curtain-style illuminations, every lane and stall in Delhi’s bustling markets, especially Sadar Bazar and Bhagirath Palace, showcases a riot of creativity and craftsmanship.

This year’s most popular items include diamond-shaped LEDs, LED strips, pipe light strings, battery-operated diyas, chandeliers, flower lights, special golden temple lights, and LED kalash lights. Decorative lights inspired by traditional diyas and revolving kalash shaped lamps have also become a major draw. “The leafy garlands are new this season,” said a vendor, referring to the innovative decorative items that have quickly caught the attention of enthusiastic buyers.

Despite years of debate and social media campaigns urging consumers to shun Chinese products, stalls across the city remain lined with “Made in China” goods. “There’s no boycott talk this year,” said another trader. “Every year people say ‘don’t buy Chinese products’, yet the same lights end up adorning every home. The goods always sell”. Interestingly, this year has also seen the entry of Japanese lights a new and sophisticated addition to Delhi’s festive market.

While a large number of lights continue to be imported from China, many traders point out that a significant portion of the assembly process now takes place locally. “The bulbs come from abroad, but the rest is made in Delhi,” explained one shopkeeper, highlighting how local innovation is slowly transforming the supply chain.

However, a noticeable shift in consumer preference is hard to miss. More and more customers are now choosing Indian-made lights to brighten their homes. As a result, Sadar Bazar, which once overflowed exclusively with Chinese-made goods, now boasts equal stocks of Indian and imported lights. Shops selling locally manufactured products are witnessing a sharp rise in footfall and sales, giving a major boost to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Make in India” campaign.

“Customers now ask whether the lights are Indian-made or Chinese before making a purchase,” said Manohar, a veteran shopkeeper with 15 years of experience in Sadar Bazar. “Due to rising customer demand, we’ve replaced Chinese lights with Indian-made ones”. “People prefer Indian lights, so we’ve stopped stocking Chinese products,” he added. “The fancy lights from Indian companies are easy to maintain, long-lasting, and can be reused in the coming years,” said Mahendra Kumar, a customer shopping at Sadar Bazar.

The shift has been driven largely by the growing quality and affordability of locally produced decorative lights. Sumit Kamar, a street vendor, explained that Indian-made lights now offer better durability and competitive pricing. Earlier, Indian lights were costlier, giving Chinese products an edge. But with improvements in quality, buyers now find Indian options more reliable. “Customers no longer need to replace them every year, unlike the Chinese ones that often stop working after one season,” he said. Prices for Indian-made lights start as low as Rs 100 per piece, compared to Chinese lights that begin at Rs 40. These Indian products are produced in manufacturing units across Delhi’s Bawana, Hapur in Uttar Pradesh, Ghaziabad, and other industrial hubs nationwide.

Still, when it comes to fancy or designer decorative lights, Chinese products continue to hold a presence due to their variety and visual appeal. Despite that, traders report that Indian-made decorative lights are increasingly preferred because they last longer and require less maintenance. “Urban customers are shifting to Indian lights, while rural buyers still pick Chinese light strips because of their lower price,” said Kunal, a shop owner in Sadar Bazar.