With biting cold conditions gripping most parts of the state and mercury dropping below 10 degrees Celsius at several places, the demand for winter garments has suddenly picked up.
These days, Cuttack residents are thronging Hadiapatha in the city where Tibetan refugees and businessmen from Rajasthan have opened stalls and are selling all types of winter garments starting from scarves and mufflers to blankets. These people live in the Chandragiri area in the Gajapati district and after the onset of winter, they come to Cuttack to sell winter garments.
“As winter has set in on Cuttack, we are visiting the winter garments market. Both the Tibetan and Rajasthani markets offer wide varieties. We are getting our winter garments of our choice here,” said Sumitra Mishra, a customer.
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Echoing the same, another customer Chandan Sahu said, “The Rajasthani businessmen have come with a wide range of products. The prices are also pocket-friendly. Even though the mercury dropped a few notches, they have not hiked the prices of their products as normally expected.”
This year, over 100 stalls have been put up. Around 150 members of the Tibetan Refugee Welfare Association and over 100 Rajasthani businessmen find employment during this season.
“We have items for children and elders. We are selling caps, socks, mufflers, sweaters and jackets. The price of jackets starts from Rs 450,” said Tinjhin, a Tibetan businesswoman.
A Rajasthani businessman said, “We have winter garments for all age groups of people. We hope this year we will do brisk business.”