Bhagirath Palace Market, one of the largest wholesale markets in Delhi for fancy-lights.
With India-Pakistan tensions soaring high following the Uri attack, many traders have demanded a complete boycott of goods from Pak's all weather-friend, China.
Traders in old Delhi's wholesale markets, who get the most of the Chinese imports, are among the first to respond to the calls of boycott on the ground. They said even the demand for Chinese goods has gone down, at least by 20 per cent if not more.
"Sales of Chinese items are down to 30-40%," said another trader at Bhagirath Palace Market, one of the largest wholesale markets in Delhi for fancy-lights. He said the Chinese goods, at one time, held a near monopoly in India's small-scale trade market.
The traders at Delhi's famous Chandni Chowk cite multiple reasons for the slide in demand for Chinese goods. Some of them even asked for the government to impose stricter import controls.
"China is supporting Pakistan and that harms us - why should we send our money to them?" said a trader from Dariba Kalan, one of the largest markets for the sale of firecrackers in the city.
In the wake of India's growing row with Pakistan, China has remained noncommittal on action against Pathankot mastermind and Pakistan-based leader of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.
As Diwali approaches, local traders have put-up hoardings and posters publicly boycotting Chinese goods.
As Diwali approaches, local traders in Dariba Kalan have put-up hoardings and posters publicly proclaiming a boycott of Chinese goods and encouraging local production and sale of fire-crackers.
"We will buy
deshi things, only what is being made in our country," said a consumer looking at the posters. "We are anti-Chinese. We are against anyone who is not in India's favour. We will neither buy their goods nor allow their sale here", added another.
The Delhi government banned Chinese crackers two years ago, citing air pollution and health concerns. This has perhaps aided the spread of rumours among local traders about Chinese goods.
"These days on WhatsApp and social media there are rumours that Chinese goods contain chemicals which cause infections", said a shop-owner in Sadar Bazaar who sells firecrackers.
A woman standing at the shop with her child said, "Chemicals are dangerous for children so we would not like to buy them."
Their reasons may differ, but there is a broad consensus among traders that the demand for Chinese goods has slumped in this festive season. And from quality concerns to recent political events, consumers are justifying their stand against products manufactured in China.