Markets including Connaught Place, Karol Bagh and parts of Old Delhi will remain closed on October 10, with trader bodies citing police advisories and fears of damage to shops and property, The Times of India reported. The timing hurts as the festivities are about to begin, with Navratri starting from October 11, followed by the Durga Puja, Diwali and Chhhath.

Which marketplaces would be closed?

The New Delhi Traders Association issued an advisory warning all shops, restaurants and offices in Cannaught Place to remain shut on Saturday, October 10, amid the CJP protest. Its advisory asked shop owners to “stay vigilant" and cooperate “to avoid any unpleasant situation". NDTA president Atul Bhargava claimed that the body would write to the authorities seeking a relocation of the protest from Jantar Mantar.

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Ajmal Khan Road Vyapar Mandal in Karol Bagh advised shopkeepers to shut their shops until 2 pm, and the situation would be reviewed after that. Delhi Vyapar Mahasangh’s Devraj Baweja asserted that a shutdown had been announced for Sadar Bazar.

The New Lajpat Nagar Market Traders Association wrote an advisory in Hindi, urging the owners to keep their shops closed on Saturday.

Is Every Market Nodding To The Closure?

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The answer is no. Multiple traders in Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazaar and old Delhi shop owners have questioned the shop closures on Saturday. Sanjay Bhargava of Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal said stock for festivals is bought on credit or bank loans, and that the market had received no formal circular from Delhi Police, according to TOI.

How Badly Is The Business Hit?

According to the Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI), the authorities are urged to restrict large demonstrations in commercial areas such as Jantar Mantar, Sansad Marg and Lutyens’ Delhi until Diwali.

CTI chairman Brijesh Goyal asserted that the capital’s overall business has dropped to around 30 per cent of normal over the past three days, the report mentioned. Goyal claimed customers from outside Delhi had decreased from 2-3 lakh a day to 40,000-50,000, while local footfall had declined by over 50%. These figures are the trader body’s own and are not independently verified.

Is Metro or Roadways an Option?

45 Metro Stations, including Rajiv Chowk and Barakhamba Road near Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, Chawri Bazar, Jama Masjid and Kashmere Gate, remain shut from 9 pm on October 9 to 6 pm on October 10. Interchanges remain available at the concerned stations, except New Delhi.

As per the Delhi Traffic Police, diversions will be enforced from 6 am on October 10, depending on the situation, at 30 points. These include Dhaula Kuan Flyover, Jhandewalan roundabout, Mandi House, Lodhi Road Flyover and several Connaught Place outer circle junctions.

What Should Shoppers do?

Check with individual markets before stepping out, since closure timings may differ. Track live updates on the Delhi Traffic Police website and X handle, or call the helpline on 1095 or 011-25844444. For many families, Saturday’s festive shopping may simply have to wait.