Uttarayan, one of Gujaratis’ most important festivals, is only three weeks away, but there is little excitement among Amdavadis. The reason is that kite and manja prices have increased by more than 50% since 2020. Uttarayan 2021 was an exception due to the Covid pandemic, which disrupted kite and manja production.
According to Ahmedabad retailers, a pack of 20 kites that used to cost Rs 100 in 2020 will now cost Rs 150 or more for the upcoming festival. Similarly, a hajar-vaar firki (1,000-yard processed thread wound on a wooden or plastic spool) that cost Rs 150 in 2020 is now more than Rs 200. According to shop owners, prices vary depending on the quality of manja and kites.
“This is the first time ever that prices of kites and manja have skyrocketed by 50% or more in just one year,” said Arpit Gajjar, owner of a seasonal store in Ambawadi. There aren’t many buyers right now. This year, we have only ordered 60% of the stock.”
Dilip Khatri, owner of a kite shop in Raipur, agreed with the market situation, saying, “In my 35 years in this business, I haven’t seen such a jump in the prices of the kites and manja.”
“Its direct effect can be seen on our profits,” he added. Wholesalers have raised prices, but we can’t pass them all on to customers or we’ll go out of business. As a result, we’ve stocked 25% less inventory this time.”Even wholesalers are facing the heat of inflation this year.
Amit Patel, owner of Anand Patang Bazar in Science City area, told Mirror, “We manufacture kites and are wholesale suppliers in Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and other states. Our input and labour costs have gone up at a rate not seen in 20 years. This year we see 25% less demand from retailers compared to 2020.”