Handicraft shops at Doyel Chattar area on Dhaka University campus are drawing crowds and passing busy time fulfilling the demand of colourful traditional craft ahead of Pahela Baishakh.
While there are only about a week left for the first day of Bangla New Year, sellers of these shops are passing their busy time fulfilling the demand of their products.
Md Monir Hossain, who has been in the business there for the last 20 years, said their business has so far not been up to the mark on this occasion.
"The sale will rise in the coming 3-4 days," he said, reports UNB.
Asked about the price, he said, dugdugi costs from Tk 50 to Tk 120,ektaraTk 60 to Tk 500, kulaTk 50 to Tk 250, flutes Tk 10 to Tk 100, pots Tk 50 to Tk 300, baskets Tk 30 to Tk 150, hand fans Tk 20 to Tk 80 and clay-made jewelries Tk 50 to Tk 200 each.
Mentioning that various companies also come to them to place orders, said Monir adding, "We usually take preparations to complete the orders at least 15 days ago. The orders vary from 1000 to 10,000 pieces."
He said individuals also come and buy products to decorate their houses traditionally on this special day.
Another seller, Sohel, said there are good demand for potteries and handmade products on this occasion.
"Many people wish to celebrate the festival traditionally and buy pottery items like plates, teacups, bowls, water vessels, hand fans etc," he said.
Maria Akter, a home maker, said she has come here to buy some home utensil products with his little son.
Pahela Baishakh is all about colour, tradition and festivity. Decorating home with crafts and pottery items adds a dimension to the occasion, she added.
Mehedi Hossain, who was found busy in colouring bamboo-made items, said, every year this business sees a rise ahead of the festival, especially one week before.
"The place gets abuzz with customers," he said.
However, this year the supply of raw materials is coming down day by day, he said adding that the suppliers from those the sellers get the raw materials of the craft products are unable to fulfill their demand.
Not only decorative and utensil products, the demand of traditional snacks is also noticeable ahead of the festival.
Mamun said people also place orders for items like batasha, kotkoti, murali, kodmaetc, especially for Pahela Baishakh.
These items cost from Tk 150-300 per kg varying from item to item, he added.