New Delhi: Blame on the prevailing sombre sentiment or total take over by technology, the good old greeting cards are just not in demand as people bid adieu to the year 2008.

“Our sales of new year greeting cards have decreased by 20-25% this season,” says Jagdeesh, a salesman at a greeting card outlet in the bustling South Extension market in the capital.

Owing to the recent global meltdown and the Mumbai terror attacks, Delhiites have chosen a more subtle way of sending New Year greetings and celebrating Christmas and New Year this year, he says.

“Except for birthday and friendship cards, cards that are meant for different occasions and days, we hardly have customers for any other category of cards,” says Naveen, cashier of a gift shop in Connaught Place, a popular shopping district.

A city which witnesses festivities on New Year eve every year, Delhi is sans ‘lights´, ‘cards´, ‘gifts´ and jubilation this season with five star hotels refraining from bright decorations and advertising festivities to attract patrons.

“We do not feel like exchanging cards now. This year has had enough for us to grieve on,” says Romila, a 25 year old student of English Literature.

Helpage India’s manager in greeting cards department, Nandita says, “Due to the market recession, there is a dip of about 35%, although the exact figures aren’t out as of now. Corporates who buy in bulk have cut their demands.”