After a two-year hiatus, courtesy the COVID crisis, the Holi market has finally bounced back. These plastic backpacks can be filled with gulal-mixed water and the contents can be sprayed through a water gun attached. This is a new entrant this year and costs between Rs 350 and Rs 450 depending on the size and capacity
Image attribution: Ashim PaulDespite the adenovirus scare, water guns are selling like hot cakes. Priced between Rs 100 and Rs 1500, these are hot favs among the kids
There are 12 types of gulals available this year. While the top picks are pink, yellow and red, the normal variety is being sold at Rs 60 per kg. The flower-based and organic gulal is much more expensive between Rs 250 and Rs 500 per kg. According to colour and pichkari sellers at Burrabazar, the sales have gone up by more than 70 per cent since the pandemic era. “Gulal is the highest sold item. Besides, people are also going in for a number of new models of water guns and tanks. This is truly a better Holi for all of us,” said Sanjay Dubey, a seller at Canning Street
Several types of colours are available but customers are mostly looking for the non-toxic varieties. “Almost everyone is curious to know if the colours contain heavy metals as ingredients. That’s why the sparkling colours have no demand,” said Suresh Poddar, a vendor
The superhero masks are high on every child’s wish list, while the rest too have a decent demand. The price is between Rs 30 and Rs 90 per piece
Colourful caps, wigs and headgears are also registering a steady demand. In order to save their hair from toxic and chemical-added colours, mainly female customers are keen on such items. These are priced between Rs 30 and Rs 100