Surat — The eagerly awaited Ganesh Utsav, second only to Mumbai in its grandeur, begins today in Surat, providing not just spiritual joy but also significant economic opportunities. The festival is known to offer employment to many, especially in the local garment sector, which is seeing a boon in demand for themed apparel.
During Ganesh Utsav, it has become increasingly popular for devotees to wear themed T-shirts, which are now being produced locally, marking a shift from earlier imports from Delhi and Tripura. This shift is beneficial for Surat's burgeoning status as a textile hub, directly impacting the local fabric market.
Harihar Pal, a garment business owner, explained to Loktej that there is a substantial demand for Ganesh-themed T-shirts, caps, and bands during the festival. "Each Ganesh Mandal, on average, orders between 100 to 200 T-shirts," Pal said. This demand supports not only the local textile market but also stimulates the broader economy of Surat, generating approximately 15 to 20 crores INR during the festival period.
Surat is home to about 10,000 registered Ganesh Mandals, with nearly half of them opting for a specific dress code that prefers T-shirts. The cost of a single shirt ranges from 100 to 150 INR.
Yogendra Sahni, Secretary of the Ganesh Utsav Committee in Surat, mentioned, "We have around 250 to 300 members, and for them, along with the necessary festival gear like T-shirts and badges are procured." He highlighted that every Mandal spends according to its capacity, sometimes amounting to 20-30 lakhs INR, on decorations, bands, and DJs, thus significantly contributing to local employment.
The Sinfonia Cultural Committee in Vesu also partakes actively in the festivities, celebrating not only Ganesh Utsav but other national and religious festivals with great enthusiasm. "For occasions like Independence Day, Republic Day, and Navratri, we do not have a strict dress code but often opt for themed garments like Kurtas to enhance the festive spirit," stated Suryakant Makwana from the committee.
This year, the local garment industry in Surat is ready to meet the high demands of the Ganesh Festival, ensuring that the celebrations are not only a cultural success but also a boost to the local economy and job market.
