Because of the affordable price and environment friendly feature, Chinese multi-colour lights are popular with Indian customers in this Diwali.

Sources have shown that the demand for fancy Chinese lights has increased manifold in the past few years. In contrast, the demands for candles had reduced but these are still in the market. But the earthen lamps had almost vanished.

According to Dheeraj, owner of shop at Ram Narain Bazaar, "The demand for Chinese lights had increased amazingly. Last year, we almost ran out of stock. This year, the demands is expected to reach to new heights."

According to the survey, people choose Chinese lamps mainly base on these following reasons. The affordable price comes firstly. The designer LED bulbs are available at Rs 30 per piece, a set of four crystal balls for Rs 150 and Ganesh showpiece with LED lights ranges from Rs 150 to Rs 300. Whereas, the Chinese lamps cost between Rs 50 and Rs 100.

Secondly, there are various forms to be chose. Among these, pipe light (Rs 30 per metre) and chip light (Rs 660 per five metres) are common and high in demand. Also huge star light (Rs 150), heart light (Rs 150), peacock wing (Rs 175), 'Swastik' (Rs 160) and 'Om' (Rs 150) (all LED lights) are the other items in demand.

Chinese lights can also be used to decorate the interiors as well. Attractive items like big colourful light balls (electronic kandeel) made of cloth and thread at Rs 660, lights in the shape of 'Ganesh-Lakshmi' made of bamboo for Rs 900 are also in demand.

The only thing Indian about the Chinese lights are the interesting names. There is 'magic' light that exhibits a change in colour within a short span of time. 'Damru lights' with countless mini-bulbs in a row is another attraction.

These lights can be bought at Rs 60 per piece (per piece and includes about 40 bulbs). The four-in-one 'crystal gola' exhibits various hues of red, green, orange and blue, said Abdul, a light shop owner on Birhana Road. Other varieties available in the market are 'flower jaal'and 'pearl strip' that can be combined with the rope lights to cover an entire building.