New Delhi, Oct 30 (IANS): The markets of the national capital remained abuzz on the festival of 'Karwa Chauth' being celebrated here on Friday.

Colourful bangles, jewellery and bright red clothes, including sarees and suits, dominated the displays in the main markets of the city, including Sarojini Nagar, central market in Lajpat Nagar, Churi Bazar in old Delhi, Cannaught Place, Greater Kailash, and Kamla Nagar.

A north Indian festival, especially observed in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and parts of Uttar Pradesh, it is marked by women keeping a day-long fast for long life of their husbands.

Like shops offering a variety of wares, the beauty salons too remained jam-packed with women and young girls, while streets were full of mehandi artists who did brisk business.

"Applying mehandi and doing everything that would make me look beautiful is a fun to do," Soni Sharma, a 23-year-old entrepreneur, said.

"Working women usually do not get time to do these things. This is just an opportunity for me and I am enjoying it," Sharma, who is celebrating her maiden 'Karwa Chauth', said.

However, for some, shopping makes the festival more exciting. "I always look forward to this festival as I buy a lot of clothes," Anandi Gupta, a home-maker, said.

"I do follow the rituals religiously and I keep the fast sacredly, but I never miss the chance to go shopping as markets are full of beautiful clothes."

Though a Hindu festival, some Muslim women - who believe "love seeks no religion" - also were observing the fast for their loved ones.

"I do not believe that we need a religion to pray for our loved one's lives. I am celebrating the festival because of the beauty and sacredness it has," 30-year-old Asiya Haleem said.