Puja break over: shopping malls and markets back to 8pm closing from Friday

Shops, markets and shopping malls across the country returned to their previous schedule on Friday as the temporary relaxation granted for Durga Puja came to an end. From now on, these establishments may stay open from 11am to 8pm.

On 5 October, a directive from the Power Division had allowed shopping malls, markets and shops to remain open until 10pm for the Durga Puja period, ending 22 October. The directive clearly stated that the earlier schedule would be restored from 23 October.

Accordingly, from today, shopping malls, markets and shops will again operate only between 11am and 8pm. The post-festival rule applies to all markets and shopping malls in the country.

Notably, as part of electricity conservation and management, the government had ordered on 12 August that all shopping malls and shops close by 8pm. The timeframe was set against the backdrop of fuel prices and power shortages.

The Power Division had also instructed that no decorative lighting be used at shops and shopping malls after 7pm. That decision was aimed at saving electricity from excess nighttime illumination.

Thanks to the extended Puja hours, traders were able to keep their shops open until 10pm for nearly three weeks. Business bodies say sales rose during this extra time amid festival shopping.

However, the government's initial assessment is that this festival relaxation was purely temporary — returning to the old frugal schedule once the Puja ended is essential for power management.

Many traders, though, want similar temporary relaxations during other festivals of the year. Their argument: longer opening hours boost sales and make festival crowds easier to handle.

Power Division officials say regular monitoring of compliance will continue. Earlier directives had warned of action against those who defy the order.

Altogether, the country's shopping landscape is back to its old rhythm — 11am to 8pm. The colourful extended hours of the festival are over; traders now look ahead to the winter festivals.