With only a month remaining until the next year’s Makar Sankranti kite festival, Dhoolpet area experiences subdued kite sales. Manufacturers and wholesalers attribute this decline to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) during elections, hindering retailers from making advance purchases. Additionally, the increased costs of materials, particularly for Krishna manja, have contributed to the lackluster sales.
Naresh Singh, a manufacturer and shop owner, expressed concern, stating that typically, half of the business is concluded two months before Sankranti, mainly with purchases from Andhra and Telangana retailers. However, this year has been different, with the election-related restrictions affecting retailers’ ability to visit shops and make cash transactions due to fear of police intervention.
Dhoolpet serves as a hub for Krishna manja production, while other types like Bareli and Gun manja come from various locations. Paper kites are exclusively manufactured in Dhoolpet, while plastic kites are sourced from Kanpur in bulk. The manufacturing process involves purchasing paper in the city and obtaining sticks from Calcutta, Tulsipur, and Indore.
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Merchants at Dhoolpet noted that the rates for paper kites range from Rs 15 to Rs 35, while plastic kites start from Rs 160 for 100 pieces, going up to Rs 1,230 for 100 pieces. The ban on Chinese manja, also known as Tangoos manja, by the government has impacted profits negatively.
Mahadev Singh, owner of Bhavani Enterprises, pointed out that the costs of paper, sticks, and side thread have increased from the previous year to the current one. Despite the challenges, the festival is a few days away, and merchants are hopeful for improved sales in the lead-up to Makar Sankranti.
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