Mumbai: With the grand Ram Temple set to be inaugurated on 22 January 2024, the entire country is echoing the spirit of enthusiasm and looking forward to the celebrations just like Diwali. A recent survey conducted among retailers in Ayodhya by India’s largest Kirana Community, Kirana Club, also showcases a similar sentiment with local kiranas looking at the event with utmost fervour.

Lakhs of devotees are expected to participate in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony and Kirana owners see this as a great opportunity to enhance their sales. Accordingly, over 70 per cent of kirana stores are stocking up Puja Samagri including cotton wicks, ghee and oil, diya, camphor, rice and wheat, and honey among other things before January 22.  Kirana owners are also stocking up Packed Mithai and chocolates, with 15 per cent retailers anticipating increased sales during the auspicious occasion.

The third-most stocked products at Kirana stores in Ayodhya are Chips and Namkeen. Over 9 per cent of retailers expect a heavy demand for these products as they prepare to welcome lakhs of devotees from across the country. Cold drinks and water as well as personal care products such as hair oil and soaps are some of the other categories being stocked up by kiranawallahs in the holy city.  

Kirana Club founder Anshul Gupta said, “Our survey among kirana owners in Ayodhya showcases optimism and festive spirit ahead of the historic inauguration of the Ram Temple. Local kirana owners are seeing this as a significant business opportunity to increase footfall in their stores and anticipating increased sales of Puja Samagri, Packed Mithai and Chocolates. The foresightedness of these retailers reflects their understanding of the current market and consumer pulse as well as their commitment to cater to the needs of devotees who would want to pay reverence to Lord Ram in the Pran Pratishtha ceremony.”

Survey results: