Surat, the industrial city known for its flourishing textile market, witnesses a seasonal surge in the demand for 'chunari', especially during the Navratri festival. These garments are essential for various religious occasions and rituals, including temple visits and 'Kanya Pujan'.
According to Deepak Jhanwar, a local textile entrepreneur and chunari merchant, "During Navratri, there is a tradition in North India to wear chunari for religious events. Although the demand is specific, every retailer needs to stock them due to their cultural significance." He notes that the demand spans across multiple states in North India like Delhi, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and extends even to West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh. Moreover, there is also a considerable demand for both woven and printed chunari among the Indian diaspora in countries like the UK, US, and Dubai.
Jhanwar, who has been in the business for over 12-13 years, highlighted that chunari priced between INR 600 and INR 2600 are not only supplied within India but also exported to meet the demands of overseas Indians. "During Navratri alone, our business does about INR 1.5 to 2 crores, contributing to Surat's total Navratri turnover of about INR 70 to 80 crores," he added.
Dheeraj Jalan, another merchant from the Raghuveer Textile Market in Surat, emphasized the significant demand in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. "Our range of chunari varies from INR 35 to INR 1200, and we cater to all needs from small two-meter chunari to full-length sarees," said Jalan. He pointed out that markets in Kanpur, Allahabad (Prayagraj), Gaya, and Patna are particularly lucrative during this season. "In recent years, demand in these markets has surged, with our Navratri turnover reaching up to INR 7-8 crores," he stated.
Surat's textile merchants are integral in keeping the tradition alive by producing and distributing chunari not just in local markets but also across the globe, thereby supporting cultural festivities and contributing significantly to the local economy during the festive seasons.
