Jalpaiguri, 29th May: With just a few days left for the traditional festival of ‘Jamai Sasthi’, markets in Jalpaiguri are witnessing a sharp rise in the demand for hand fans made of palm leaves. Shoppers are crowding local markets as the festive preparations gain momentum.
Palm leaf fans, which are rarely sold during the rest of the year, have now become a sought-after item. As per tradition, mothers-in-law gift these fans to their sons-in-law and pray for their well-being. The gesture symbolizes strength and stability, drawing a parallel with how palm trees stand firm even in storms, wishing the same resilience for the son-in-law in fulfilling his duties.
This year, the hand fans are being sold at around Rs 30 each. Although cheaper plastic alternatives priced at Rs 10 are available, most buyers are opting for the traditional palm leaf fans to honour cultural customs. According to vendors, this is the only time of year when demand for palm leaf fans spikes, as sales remain low otherwise.
The growing interest in traditional items ahead of ‘Jamai Sasthi’ has brought joy to local traders, who are seeing a steady rise in business as the festival approaches.