GUWAHATI, April 4 � A bihuwan has much to say � is not only exhibits the skill of the weaver but also the love and longing of the one who presents it. However, the tradition of expressing the warmth for near and dear ones during Rongali Bihu by presenting a bihuwan is about to burn a hole in the pocket as inflation has hit the market of handloom products as well.
As on date, the normal �pakowa sota gamocha� is costing the consumer between Rs 130 to 150. The prices of all handloom products including mekhela chadar have doubled compared to last year.
Explaining the reason for the increase in the price of gamocha, Nani Kalita who is participating in the ongoing exhibition cum sale fair at NEDFi Haat here organized by Deegh Bani said that inflation has badly hit the handloom market. �Last year too I had participated in the exhibition organized by Deegh Bani and I sold gamochas at Rs 60 to 65. But the rise in the price of yarn has compelled us to increase the price of gamocha,� said Nani who added that despite the rise in price, people are purchasing the gamochas.
�We are just making a profit of Rs 20 per gamocha after all the hard work. There should be a control system over the prices of yarn as it earns the bread of many common people,� said Nani.
It needs to be mentioned here that Nani has been looking after her family of mother and younger sister through her handloom business. She has three looms and through hard work she has managed to run her business successfully so far.
�Price rise has badly hit middle class families like us. I was shocked when the price of a gamocha was quoted to me. The prices have doubled compared to last year,� said Mriganka Gogoi, a school teacher. He said that he had come to NEDFi Haat planning to buy a dozen gamochas, but the price has made him decide to purchase just five.
On the other hand, Ranju Deka, an entrepreneur from Dhemaji said that because of the increase in the prices of handloom products, sale of traditional muga and pat silk have been very discouraging so far. �I am hoping business will pick up in a week,� she expressed.
