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The Diwali Deficit
Days before Diwali, Anand Kumar, a fruit shop owner in central Delhi, expects to be flustered. But the 42-year-old who works in Bengali Market says this year ahead of India’s biggest festival he’s harassed for all the wrong reasons. “This is peak hour. There shouldn’t be space to set foot in this market. But look around. There is absolutely no buzz,” said Mr. Kumar, standing next to an assorted basket of fruits that he has prepared for sale ahead of Diwali, which crowns India’s season of festivals. During the Hindu festival of lights, devotees worship Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth. Diwali is usually the ... (full story)