Saptari, October 28
Trade in earthenware and other products made from clay and bamboo has increased in Rajbiraj Bazaar as festivals such as Tihar and Chhath approach.
Demand has risen as devotees seek out and purchase these items, which are considered essential for celebrating the festivals.
Local trader Buchanidevi Sah said demand for clay oil lamps, ritual pots and large earthen vessels used during Tihar, as well as bamboo items such as koniya baskets, winnowing trays and dhakis used during Chhath, has increased since Dashain.
“I have been selling bamboo products for a decade. Business is moderate at other times, but it picks up from Dashain to Chhath,” she said.
She added that while daily sales amount to around Rs 1,000 during other seasons, business doubles from Dashain to Tihar.
Clay and bamboo products are not necessarily required except for certain occasions and rituals, such as weddings, bratabandha ceremonies, funeral rites and household worship. However, Mamata Jha of Rajbiraj Municipality-2 said people have little choice but to buy them for Tihar and Chhath, which are widely celebrated across Madhesh.
She said clay pots and bamboo products are indispensable for festivals and religious rituals in Madhesh, boosting their commercial trade during the season.
Rajbiraj Mayor Israt Parween said it was encouraging that locally made clay products from Kumal artisans and bamboo goods made by the Marik (Dom) community were being sold in the market, keeping local investment within the area.
She said the local production and sale of clay and bamboo products was a positive development, adding that residents did not have to depend on other districts to purchase these goods.
