Lucknow, Oct. 13 -- With Diwali around the corner, the demand for handwork ethnic pieces blended with western silhouettes is among the top picks in the market. Traders are expecting good sales, with people from different walks of life already turning up in the markets. For the older generation, Diwali still brings the nostalgia of getting new clothes, while for the younger crowd, clothing is more about the "vibe check," as it's popularly termed on social media platforms. Amarnath Mishra, president of the readymade wholesale association, said that all kinds of ethnic outfits are in demand. "Even though online shopping posed a major challenge over the past few years, we are now seeing people return to the markets and visit shops offline," said Mishra. Readymade clothing items are also in high demand. Mohammad Afzal, state treasurer of the UP Adarsh Mandal and a readymade clothing shop owner, shared, "We are expecting a market of over Rs.800 crores from both the organised and unorganised sectors this year. People purchasing garments under Rs.2,500 are benefiting from a reduced GST rate, while those buying above Rs.2,500 are bearing the increased GST," said Afzal. From lehenga and crop tops to sharara-kurtas, fish-cut lehengas, gowns, and sarees, all kinds of ethnic attire for women are in demand. Printed kurtas, sherwanis, and short jackets for men are also popular. Eesha Punjabi, owner of Eesha Kunal, said that demand for ethnic wear has increased. "Kaftans, fish-cut gowns, hand-embroidered co-ord sets, Indo-Western dresses, farshi salwars, and drapes with embroidery and Aari-Zardosi work are among the most popular pieces," said Punjabi. Ashok Motiyani, president of the UP Kapda Udhyog Vyapar Mandal, said that linen and printed kurtas are trending among men across age groups. Prabhu Jalan, owner of Gita Vastralaya, said that embroidered kurta-pajamas with sadri for men, and crop tops with palazzos, are also in fashion....