Ranchi: Amid the election season, where political parties are intensely campaigning and hosting rallies, the clothing market is also thriving. The demand for attire suited for the election vibe is high, with leaders and party workers, from the prominent to the grassroots, eager to don white churidar pajamas and kurtas to exude a notable look. Young people, in particular, are showing great enthusiasm, and many party workers are visiting clothing shops. Sales of kurta-pajamas have surged, with linen kurtas, pajamas, and Modi jackets in high demand. Textile traders report that business is better than during the last Assembly elections.
The Trend Reaches Villages as Well as Cities
Not only in cities but also in villages, people are bringing cloth to tailoring shops to have churidar pajamas and kurtas stitched, with some ordering two or three sets. The trend extends beyond kurta-pajamas, with people also eager to buy bandis (jackets) and saafas (traditional scarves). Aman Kumar from the Madhuban Khadi Bhandar store mentioned that most leaders prefer white kurta-pajamas. Some party workers even wear pagris (turbans) or kurtas in the colors of their party flags to stand out in crowds. Some are even having election symbols printed on their kurtas. Along with kurtas, bandis are becoming increasingly popular among party leaders and workers.
Suraj Kumar, the owner of Suraj Tailors at JP Market, noted that linen is a preferred fabric for bandis, despite its cost. Bright-colored jackets over kurtas are also in fashion, with options ranging from ₹500 to ₹3,500 available in the Ranchi market.
Crowds Gather in Front of the Old Assembly Building
Half a dozen clothing stores are set up in front of the old Assembly building in Ranchi, offering cotton and khadi fabrics. Ready-made bandis are also readily available. Abhay Chaudhary from Khadi Bhandar noted that there is a strong demand for linen, cotton, and khadi kurtas, along with saffron, green, blue, and white saafas.
