Diwali spark fails to light up markets as traders strive to break even

Pinning hopes on Dhanteras, traders believe that if there is any scope for a last-minute turnaround it would happen on Monday

For the past three days, Raunak Gulati, who owns an electronics store in Lajpat Nagar, one of the busiest markets in South Delhi, has been wondering if he would be able to at least break even on the investments he made on bulk buying electronic items and lighting to sell during Diwali.

While the market is busy as ever, no one seems to be buying much. “I spent over Rs 2.5 million in buying goods to sell this Diwali. I was hoping to earn almost double in sales. But at the rate I am going I would be lucky if