Patna: A gentle winter has begun to set in across Bihar, with Patna’s streets and markets reflecting the seasonal shift. As the city basks in mild sunshine by day and cooler temperatures by night, residents are flocking to buy warm clothing, sparking renewed energy in local markets. Traders estimate that Patna’s winterwear market could generate between Rs 150 and Rs 200 crore this season.
Ramlal Khetan, President of the Khaitan Market Association and Chairman of the Bihar Industries Association, said this year’s colder-than-usual forecast has encouraged shopkeepers to stock up. “We’re expecting strong sales this season, and traders are well-prepared,” he said.
Among the key attractions of the winter shopping scene is the Tibetan Lhasa Market, which has once again set up at the High Court Shrine complex. Run by Tibetan refugees, the market offers a wide range of woollen goods—sweaters, jackets, shawls, mufflers, gloves, and children’s wear. This year, artisans and traders from Ludhiana, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmir have joined in, bringing new designs and vibrant colours. Prices range from Rs 50 for socks to Rs 3,000 for premium woollens, with Kashmiri pashmina shawls, Himachali jackets, and Ludhiana sweaters drawing the biggest crowds.
Trader Tenzin Yarphel said, “We’ve brought better quality and trendier designs this time. The response so far has been very encouraging.” According to market manager Vicky Pandey, the fair opened later than usual—on November 7 instead of November 1 —due to the election schedule, but the turnout has been strong.
Elsewhere in the city, major commercial hubs such as Boring Road, Fraser Road, Gandhi Maidan, Dak Bungalow, Kankarbagh, Bazar Samiti, and Maurya Lok Complex are also seeing rising footfall. Branded showrooms have rolled out winter collections with discounts to attract shoppers.
Fashion-conscious youth are opting for stylish hoodies, coats, and thermals, while women are drawn to shawls, cardigans, and woollen stoles. “Light but warm jackets from Ludhiana and Himachal are selling the most,” said Ajay Gupta of the Bihar State Business Association.
Consumers say there’s something for every budget. A shopper from Rajendra Nagar, said she visited the Lhasa Market to buy sweaters and socks for her children. “The prices are reasonable and the clothes last long,” she added. College student noted that prices are slightly higher than last year but praised the “trendy designs and improved quality.”
As temperatures continue to dip, traders expect sales to surge further. CAT Chairman Kamal Nopani projected that the city’s winterwear trade will grow by about 20 percent compared with last year. “The weather department predicts that minimum temperatures will fall to around 16°C between November 10 and 12, which will certainly boost demand,” he said.
