As Karma Parva approaches, the cloth markets of Bokaro are buzzing with activity. During this festival, sisters observe a fast for their brothers' long life and wellbeing, while women and girls dress in traditional attire to perform puja and join the Jawa dance. That seasonal ritual is exactly why saree sales spike every year around this time, and the Dundeebag market in Bokaro's Sector 12 is once again packed with shoppers hunting for the right saree.
A shop with 40 years behind it, and five sarees leading the rush
Motilal Soren, who runs Ayesha Saree Center in the Dundeebag market, has been in the saree trade for four decades. He says that ahead of Karma Parva, five particular styles of traditional sarees are outselling everything else on his shelves, and it is young girls who are buying them in the largest numbers.
The Panchi saree is the season's favourite
The biggest talking point this season is the Panchi saree. It comes in black, blue and several other shades, each carrying distinctive bird motifs and patterns that set it apart from ordinary sarees. Prices start at ₹680, and shoppers are overwhelmingly gravitating towards the red and black versions of the Panchi saree.
Married women are choosing the Karma Special saree
Married women, meanwhile, are leaning towards the Karma Special red paal saree. Its defining feature is the traditional Jharkhandi embroidery and design work along the lower border of the fabric. It is priced from around ₹180, putting it within easy reach of buyers across income groups.
Jhalar booti sarees are having a moment
This year has also brought a surge of interest in the Jhalar booti saree. At the shop it starts at ₹500, noticeably cheaper than similar sarees sold online. Its pallu is decorated with tribal art inspired designs, and its light, comfortable feel is winning over women who want a saree that looks good and is easy to wear through a long day of rituals.
30 to 40 customers a day, doors open till 9 pm
According to Soren, as Karma Parva draws closer, orders for the red and black Panchi saree have picked up the fastest. His shop now sees an average of 30 to 40 customers every day, each looking for a specific colour and design. To accommodate the festival rush, the shop stays open from 10 am to 9 pm.
