Unrelenting rain dampens festive spirit in Sadar Bazar, traders feel the pinch

Anshita Mehra

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, August 13

In Delhi’s bustling Sadar Bazar, where space is a luxury and the streets are packed with people, tempos, rickshaws and even cattle, shopkeepers are grappling with a waning festive spirit. As the city gears up for Independence Day and Rakshabandhan, traders find themselves caught in a downpour of challenges, struggling to keep their businesses afloat.

Sales plummet, drastic drop in earnings

Sales have plummeted because of the rain. We have to pack up as soon as it starts raining, and customers avoid standing on the streets. — Junaid, a T-shirt vendor

‘Struggling to save stock’

The rain has arrived late this year, which is unusual for this month. We’re struggling to save our stock from getting ruined. There’s no profit, just enough for our survival. — Seema, A shopkeeper from Seemapuri

During a recent field visit, it was evident that shopkeepers were packing up their goods with a substantial portion of their inventory unsold. The ongoing downpour has severely affected their sales, with many struggling to stay afloat.

Khazal, a 21-year-old kite seller, described the current situation as the worst he has experienced. “The rain has hit us hard right during the festive season. We haven’t even started making a profit, and the damp weather is ruining our material,” he said.

Similarly, Junaid, a T-shirt vendor, reported a drastic drop in the earnings. “Sales have plummeted because of the rain. We have to pack up as soon as it starts raining, and customers avoid standing on the streets. Compared to last year, our earnings are drastically down. The chances of making up for the loss in the next few days are slim, especially with the waterlogging and mud that drives customers away.”

Mohammad Ahsan, who sells flags and masks, also expressed frustration. He said, “Not only are there fewer customers, but the rain has also damaged much of our stock. Items that once sold for Rs 25 are now being offered at Rs 10 or less. We’re barely making enough to feed our kids. Even though there are crowds, sales are non-existent. People come, check the prices, and leave without buying.”

Ahsan added, “When Modi ji launched the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, our sales were good, but now, much of last year’s stock is still unsold and spoiled. This year’s items aren’t selling either.”

Jyoti, who sells rakhis on the roadside, echoes the frustration. “The rain has been relentless, and sales are less than half of what they were last year. Even last year wasn’t great, but at least we managed to get by. This year, not only is there less excitement, but pickpocketing has also become a major issue. People lose expensive phones and wallets, which further discourages them from shopping.”

Raghubir, who has been selling rakhis from various corners in the market for the past month, struggles to make ends meet. “Sales are incredibly low this time. Even though I sell 12 rakhis for Rs 15, people still try to haggle. We haven’t sold even half of our stock compared to last year.”

Mohammad Afsar, who brings rakhis from Moradabad and sells them at various prices, notes, “The rain usually coincides with the festive season, but this year it’s caused significant losses. My shop is somewhat protected, so I haven’t suffered as much as those selling on the roadside. For them, the rain means closing up shop or going home empty-handed.”

Seema, a shopkeeper from Seemapuri and the sole breadwinner for her family, is also feeling the pinch. “The rain has arrived late this year, which is unusual for this month. We’re struggling to save our stock from getting ruined. There’s no profit, just enough to keep us fed.”

For these shopkeepers, the rain has brought more than just a dampened mood — it has significantly impacted their livelihoods during what should be a time of festive cheer.