This time used to be the best to shop for new clothes, given that Durga pujo is just a week away. But this year, it's been starkly different. Not even the pandemic could dull festivities, as the R.G.Kar incident has.
Tilottama still waits for justice. So do scores or rape/molestation/abuse victims suffering in silence in our country. We are shaken, shattered, in no mood to celebrate.
Yet.....and yes, there's a yet. For several small craftspeople, artisans, weavers, designers, this is the time they do maximum business every year. To sit and mourn is not something they can afford.
There is a Banglar Tanter Haat on in Boi Mela grounds, Korunamoyee, Salt Lake, for the past two weeks.
Business has been abysmal, say the artisans sadly, yet resignedly. They too are hoping Tilottama gets justice.
But they have families to feed. When they don't have even a single sale in a day, they know they can't buy that trinket for their daughter back home. Their family will have to forego a small indulgence, because they can't afford it this year. A huge stock of unsold sarees, kurtas, stoles, bags, jewellery, blouses, have to be lugged back home.
For their sake, I appeal to all Kolkatans to please come here at least once, and buy something. It's criminal neglect of art if we can't support such gifted artists. For once, ditch your boutiques or online favs, and buy from the maker.
Their smile will be your reward, I assure you. And the piece of handloom or handicraft you buy will not disappoint.
The haat is on till Oct 2, Mahalaya.
#pujoclothes
#ethnicwear
#banglartanterhaat
#buyfromthecrafstman
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