Tuesday, September 4, 2012

New designs of glass beads for Teej

KATHMANDU, Sept 4: With Teej - the biggest festival of Hindu women - round the corner, traders in the valley have introduced new designs of accessories made of glass beads popularly known as pote.

Abbas Alam, proprietor of Shah Beads at Indrachwok, said he has introduced bead accessories in more than 100 designs targeting the Teej festival. 

“This year we have introduced new designs of single line beads and normal beads. We have also introduced new designs of glass beads that are used with golden jewelries and accessories like ring and bracelets, among others,” said Alam.

At Shah Beads, single line beads are priced between Rs 20 and Rs 120 and normal beads are available in price range of Rs 250 to Rs 5,000. Similarly, beads that are used with golden jewelries are available in the range of Rs 800 to Rs 30,000 and accessories are priced between Rs 90 and Rs 550.

Hindu women buy glass beads ahead of festivals like Teej as they are regarded highly auspicious. They also gift glass beads to their female relatives ahead of the festival. Mandira Adhikari is one such women who was buying glass beads at Indrachowk when Republica caught up with her. “I am buying beads to gift to my sister and friends as per our tradition of exchanging auspicious souvenirs ahead of the Teej festival,” said Adhikari.

However, traders are worried that transactions have not picked up even though the festival is nearing. “My daily sales have dropped to around Rs 20,000 from around Rs 40,000 during the same period last year,” said Alam.
Imran Khan, proprietor of Firoj Store at Indrachowk, also said he has introduced new designs to woo festive shoppers. “Like past years, we have introduced wide varieties of glass beads accessories like rings, earrings and bracelets, among others.

Price of beads at Firoj Store starts from Rs 20 and goes up higher as per the demand of the customers. Apart from selling beads and accessories, the store also weaves beads for gold and plated jewelries.

Khan also said sales have dropped this year as the price of beads has increased by 10 to 15 percent due to increment in price in source countries and weakening of Nepali rupee compared to major currencies.

Glass beads are imported from countries like Czech Republic, Japan, UK, China and India. According to traders, beads imported from Japan are getting popular this season because of its attractive look.

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thanks.

Kareena Kapoor

Cocktail