Rajganj, 28th October: With Kali Puja just a few days away, women in Bhelkipara, under Farabari in the Binnaguri Gram Panchayat area of Rajganj block, are busy making plastic flower garlands at home. The festive season brings increased demand for garlands, raising hopes of additional income for these women as they try to manage household expenses during the celebrations.
Although the work continues on a smaller scale throughout the year, demand rises during the festive season. Women from several families in Bhelkipara collect raw materials from a flower manufacturing unit in Siliguri, make the garlands at home and return the finished products. Garlands are prepared for various festivals, including Durga Puja, Kali Puja and Saraswati Puja. Currently, they are busy making hibiscus flower garlands ahead of Kali Puja.
Sanjukta Barman, a resident of the area, has been engaged in this work for nearly four years. According to her, earnings depend on the number of garlands produced. During the festive season, she earns between ₹3,000 and ₹5,000 from the work, which helps cover household expenses during Puja. Around 10-12 other women in the locality are also involved in the same work.
Moumita Singh Barman has been making garlands for the past two to three years. She manages household chores and makes garlands during her free time. She said that although work and earnings remain limited during ordinary periods, demand increases during the festive season. Ahead of Kali Puja, she is currently making hibiscus garlands and earns around ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 from the work during the festive period.
For these women, seasonal garland-making provides an opportunity to supplement their household income while preparing for the expenses of the festive season.
