"Business Is Dull... People Are Confused": A Muted Deepavali In Bengaluru

Every year, in the days leading up to Deepavali, crowds of happy shoppers fill stores across Bengaluru and, as calls of season's greetings ring out, they go on the hunt for festive deals, last-minute gifts for friends and family, and, of course, firecrackers. 2020, though, with the impact of the coronavirus and rising concern over air pollution and quality, has been a little different and much of that usual buzz and merrymaking is missing.