‘Though people visit the temple, there is no improvement in business for traders’
Nearly 3,000 devotees visit Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple everyday since relaxation of the lockdown but there were very few visitors to the shops near the temple.
Pudhu Mandapam near the temple has about 150 shopkeepers selling puja articles, trinkets, books and kitchenware. There are also tailors. They have opened their doors to customers a month ago but many people do not visit these shops.
S. K. Siddiq, one of the traders there, says that there is no market value for trinkets or other ‘fancy items’ these days. ‘It is understandable if people do not step in to buy our ear rings and bangles but it is surprising that even shops selling puja articles and idols do not get customers. Though people visit the temple, there is no improvement in business for traders.’
Pudhu Mandapam Traders and…