By- Barnali Handique
GUWAHATI: City residents are gearing up to celebrate the spring festival in their best attires and huge crowds were seen thronging different markets on the weekend. Most women were seen opting for affordable traditional handloom attires over expensive
Assam silk mekhela sador while shopping for the festivities. Imitation jewellery in traditional Assamese designs also were seen to be in more demand than original ones.
Traders dealing in affordable handloom mekhla sador are also cashing in, with a large number of customers visiting their shops these days. The fact that these traditional attires are affordable and available in a range of colours and designs are what is making them a favourite among women. Comfort is another factor that is boosting their sale.
"We deal in handloom mekhla sadors that are woven from different fabrics like raw silk, pure cotton, Padmini silk, that is really popular, and even printed
Bhagalpuri silk. We have new stocks of mekhla sador that have been woven with beautiful traditional motifs in attractive combination of colours, which women prefer. We hope to make a good profit this time as we are receiving a lot of customers. We have mekhla sadors ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 3000," said N
Ahmed, a trader in Fancy Bazar.
"I have come to purchase handloom mekhla sador as I really like the different designs that are woven into them. I can purchase a good quality one in about Rs 2000-2500, whereas a simple Assam silk (paat) mekhla sador will definitely cost me around Rs 7000. I can even gift them to my family and relatives during Bihu. Besides, they are very comfortable to wear during hot weather and also easy to maintain," said
Anita Das, a customer.
"Who would not like to wear Assam silk traditional attire? However, they are so costly that not everyone can afford it. The handloom mekhla sadors flooding the markets are a good option as there are designs and colours available for all groups in different fabrics," said
Jupi Deka, a young professional.
"I have come to purchase imitation jewellery in traditional Assamese designs. I bought a bracelet for just Rs 350. The same design in original Assamese jewellery will cost nearly Rs 2000," said
Brinda Sharma, a college goer.
