nOnly a day is left for the Rakshabandhan celebration, but there are not many customers in markets in Jharsuguda.
According to most retailers, due to the coronavirus epidemic, Rakhi sales have been less than expected as compared to previous years and few customers are showing up so far. Rakhis made of silk threads, metals, sandalwood, glass beads and plastic beads have been popular among customers while there is a clear disdain for Chinese Rakhis this time around.
Sunil Singh, owner of a general store located in Behramal area said, “There is a clear resentment against Chinese Rakhis and customers are only choosing Rakhis made from Indian materials when customers are confused between a few types of Rakhis, they are asking us to point us to Rakhis made from Indian materials and are rejecting Chinese material.”
A similar sentiment is echoed by store owner Dinbandhu Agarwal of main road of Brajrajnagar who said, “It’s the first time when people are preferring Rakhis made by Indian artisans compared to Chinese products. Even if the former is costlier than the latter, customers have been very firm in rejecting Chinese goods and we are also glad about this change in behaviour,” adding, “I really doubt if any retailer would keep any Chinese stock next year.”
Meanwhile, the local traders are also not buying or selling Chinese Rakhis. “The customers are refusing to buy Chinese Rakhis. Their first question is whether the Rakhi is Chinese or not,” Tapan Kumar, a shopkeeper said.
“There is a demand for India-made Rakhis only. No one bought Chinese Rakhi. We have got Rakhis from Kolkata. Less people are stepping out due to
Covid-19,” said Ravi Saluja, a shopkeeper.