Tibetan sweater sellers putting up stalls near Town Hall are suffering losses this year.
Though, it is not the crowd or price range but the weather that has proved a dampener for the migratory traders. “We have been coming to the city for past two decades. Earlier we used to allow customers for bargaining. But, in the recent five years, we are selling our woolen garments on a fixed price. The response was appreciable till last year. This time, it is the delayed onset of winter resulting low sale,” said Rinchen, member of the Potala Tibetan Refugee Sweater Market Association.
There are 59 stall owners who come visiting the city from Tibet every year for a span of four months. Besides winter, Rinchen also felt the ongoing State assembly polls as an obstacle in their business. “Many Government employees are busy in election process. In such circumstances they cannot lend time for shopping,” he added.
The setback compelled president of the association T Damdul to consult ‘Tibetan Panchang (calendar)’ to find out when the temperature will turn low at Ranchi and the desired fillip their business would be getting. He said, “According to our country’s Panchang, the season of winter will start from December 25 continuing for the next 27 days. We hope to see a profitable business relying on the prediction of the calendar.”
Customers across the State visiting here feel the prices are reasonable in comparison with local shops. “I have been purchasing latest winter wear from this market since 2010 for my entire family. It suits my budget,” said Rural Works Department Officer RC Diwakar posted at Simdega.
Similarly, UP Singh, a teacher from Ratu block said the prices are reasonable. Attars such as Jackets are available within Rs700 to 2000 while Cardigans and Woolen Kurtis are sold between Rs400 to 1200. Stoles are available within Rs100 to 350 while Caps are being sold within Rs80 to 180.
Tibetans seem to understand the choice of Indians. Senior members of the association mentioned that the materials used in the woolen clothes have been changed this year. “We want to maintain a healthy relation with Ranchi. For this, it was important to introduce new materials and companies in our woolen clothes,” member lobshang said. Every year, the Association starts its business from October and concludes the same by the end of January.
An aged street vendor selling snacks inside the town hall vicinity felt the crowd has increased since December 18 when the state capital witnessed 5.7 degrees recording the lowest temperature of the year. Perhaps the Panchange is proving right!