Polls make Holi biz more colourful
Holi may or may not bring cheer to political parties — depending on the election results — but it has brought happiness for the manufacturers of Holi colours and cannons in and around Uttar Pradesh.
According to a survey conducted by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) Social Development Foundation, the sale of Holi merchandise has registered a 40 per cent increase this year.
The survey was conducted
As per a survey conducted by the Assocham, the sale of Holi merchandise has registered a 40 per cent increase this year
to ascertain the impact of elections in UP, Uttarakhand, Punjab and other states on sale of Holi merchandise.
“Though political parties across India use Holi to connect with the masses and bond with voters, the election season has certainly made it lucrative for colour manufacturers in and around UP where this festival is celebrated the most,” said D.S. Rawat, national secretary general of Assocham, releasing the findings of the survey on Friday.
Majority of the respondents said they are doing a brisk business. Though many people purchase colours, sprinklers and other such items in bulk for parties, this time there is an element of excitement owing to the poll season and results on the eve of Holi.
Most shopkeepers said there has been a rise of up to 40 per cent in the sales as many supporters are buying water guns, colours and merchandise plastered with the images of the symbols of different political parties, and the demand for such items is growing by the day.
Interestingly, most manufacturers said they have stocked fancy cannons and colours at their stores as cadres of political parties contact them with bulk orders. Many said they have come up with innovative water guns, colour sprays and balloons with stickers or prints of political parties, and most items are already sold out.