In Kolhapur city, eco-friendly lanterns in demand

KOLHAPUR: With a few days left for Diwali, city markets are being flooded with lanterns, lamps and other articles. Amid the pandemic situation, it has been observed that people prefer to buy products Made in India and traditional eco-friendly items.
The Chinese goods and lanterns have been sidelined in the market. The traders have also displayed ‘Only Mase in India’ products at their shops and stalls.
Sohail Bagwan, a stall owner at Paan Lane selling lanterns, said, “People are preferring the traditional-style lanterns. The Chinese lanterns are completely out of the market and no stall can be seen displaying Chinese lanterns. This year, bamboo-made designer lanterns and metal lanterns are new in the market.”
While most of the stalls in Kolhapur have also displayed eco-friendly lanterns made from paper and bamboo.
Sachin Gatade, a stall owner at Mahadwar road said, “We have displayed lanterns which are made from colour paper, cloth and bamboo. As people are getting aware of the pollution caused by plastic, traditional and eco-friendly items are in demand. The cost of the lanterns falls in the range of Rs 200 to 3500.”
The Kolhapur chamber of commerce has also appealed to all its traders to refrain from selling Chinese products and accordingly all the traders have agreed on the same.