Rajasthani ‘safa’ in great demand ahead of polls

JAIPUR: The traditional Rajasthani safa (turban) is in great demand ahead of the Lok Sabha polls not only in Rajasthan but also in other parts of the country. During their election campaigns across the state and the country, the political leaders, from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Congress president Rahul Gandhi, will be welcomed with a safa. Traders of Jaipur and Jodhpur are catering to bulk orders from neighbouring states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab.

Traders believe that in Rajasthan too as more candidates start filing nominations demand for safas will rise. “We have started getting orders from neighbouring states including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Punjab. Some from West Bengal, which has a relatively good number of Rajasthanis living there, too have enquired about the rates and quality of Rajasthani safas,” said Arvind Singh Bhati, manufacturer and wholesale trader of safa.

Some traders have attributed the popularity of Rajasthani turban to Prime Minister Narendra Modi who was seen wearing traditional Rajasthani safa on Republic Day, 2015. “People follow him as he had adorned a colourful Rajasthani bandhani safa at the Republic Day celebrations in 2015. Also, it is tied as a mark of welcome in Rajasthan, which is getting popular in election rallies too,” said a trader at Badi Chaupar.

The traders from Jodhpur, Pali, Jaipur and Ajmer are getting orders from candidates and party offices of BJP, Congress and BSP. Traders also believe that the turbans will remain in demand for next two months until the new government is formed and candidates are elected. “Now it is used for welcoming dignitaries and leaders coming for rallies. After election results, there will be events to welcome the elected leaders,” said Abdul Sagir, a wholesaler of turbans.