Rajganj, 29th October: With Kali Puja just days away, candle-making is in full swing ahead of the festive season. Among the variety of colourful candles available, saffron-coloured candles are attracting particular demand this year, prompting a candle-maker in Rajganj to increase production.
Sital Sarkar, who runs a small candle-making unit at his home in Patharghata village under Majhiali Gram Panchayat in Rajganj block, has been engaged in the trade for the past 10–12 years. With Kali Puja approaching, work at his unit is at its peak. Along with small, medium and large candles and stand candles, the unit produces candles in various colours. Three to four workers assist him in the production process.
Sarkar said he continues to manufacture candles as he does every year, but rising raw material costs have led to a slight decline in overall demand and sales. Despite this, demand for candles remains comparatively high ahead of Kali Puja, with saffron-coloured candles seeing a particular rise in popularity. The unit is therefore producing more saffron-coloured candles this year.
Candles manufactured at the unit are priced between ₹1 and ₹25. Candles priced at ₹2 and ₹5 remain in demand throughout the year, while colourful varieties see increased demand during Kali Puja. The products are supplied to various areas, including Siliguri, Jalpaiguri and Haldibari.
Sarkar said running the business has become challenging due to rising raw material costs and competition from electric decorative lighting.
With demand for saffron-coloured candles increasing ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali, the manufacturer from Patharghata is hopeful of better sales during the festive season.
