Learn how you can be a smart shopper during Ganesh Chaturthi. Divide your shopping list in slots for saving time and money.

Shopping is an integral part of any festival. Markets and malls start flooding as the festival approaches. The onset of festivals is a good time of making money for the shopkeepers. At the same time consumers have to spend more money during festivals. To avoid spending money unnecessarily, your shopping should be properly planned.

It is not child's play to shop for occasions like Ganesh Chaturthi. A day's shopping may not suffice at all. It requires a minimum of fifteen days time. Right from booking Ganesh idol to buying sweets, every thing should be done at a proper time. Read on for shopping systematically and wisely during this Ganesh Chaturthi.

Tips for shopping during Ganesh Chaturthi

Here is the list of some commonly required things during Ganesh Chaturthi. It will guide you to buy these things at the right time and from right place.

Ganesh idol

Booking Ganesh idol is a matter of special importance during Ganesh Chaturthi. It should be booked at least 10 - 15 days before Ganesh Chaturthi. As a reminder, book it every year on the day of Janmashtami. It is a perfect day for booking an idol. Ganesh Chaturthi falls exactly after 10 days after Janmashtami every year.

Decoration material

You can buy all the decoration material a week before. You can use previous years left over material too. You can buy it from the whole sale market at a cheaper rater, if you plan to buy in bulk. Buy all the decoration material after ordering the idol so that you buy the right size and quantity. Start arranging it at your place at the earliest so that it is ready at on time.

Lights and lamps

You can use the lights and lamps which are already with you. Check those 4 to 5 days before Chaturthi to ensure there are in working condition. Check out something new when the shopkeepers start displaying them. You must also check the new lights and bulbs before you buy them. You can buy these items 2 to 3 days before as it will not take more than a day to install them.

Crockery

You should check the condition of your crockery at least 4 to 5 days before Chaturthi. If you think that there is a need of buying new crockery you can buy it along with the lights and lamps.

Clothes

As the festival approaches there is a hike in the prices of clothes. If you buy clothes one month before Chaturthi you can save your time and money. Check out if there is any sale going on. You can visit exhibitions which are set up especially for Ganesh Chaturthi. You can find good clothes at an affordable price at such exhibitions. Avoid visiting shopping malls during such occasions.

Grocery

You can buy additional grocery when you order grocery for your daily requirement. This will help avoiding wastage of time during Chaturthi.

Sweets

Keep this item at the end of your shopping list. You can buy sweets 1 to 2 days before Chaturthi. Do not buy too many sweets. The guests arriving at your place may also get some. You can prepare sweets like laddoo at home itself.

Snacks & Drinks

Snacks and soft drinks can be bought along with sweets. You can buy fruit squash and use it instead of aerated drinks. As many guests arrive it is difficult to prepare snacks at home all the time. For this purpose you can buy chips, sev, chivda, farsan etc., which is loved by every one.

You can save your money and time by dividing your shopping list from the beginning itself. Avoid shopping during evening hours as the markets are more crowded during this time. Shopping is fun but too much of shopping may confuse you. You can also prefer online shopping to save time. Preparing a list before moving out will help you to be a smart shopper. Good luck for your shopping and have a happy and safe Ganesh Chaturthi.