An abir trader in Burdwan waits for customers on Saturday.

Many abir traders in Bengal who had stocked up on green, saffron and red colours ahead of counting Sunday are facing severe losses as the Election Commission has restricted all victory processions amid the second wave of Covid-19.

Usually, poll results mean a Holi-like situation on the streets of Bengal, with victory rallies and party workers smearing each other with colour. This time, celebrations will be low-key because of the curbs.

Saurav Chandra, an abir trader in Bolpur town, said he had bought 100 quintals of abir, mainly green and saffron, for Rs 4 lakh, but has not sold even one quintal. “In the past elections, political parties would order abir, this time I received no order,” he said.