From bamboo soops (winnowing baskets) and daura (bamboo baskets) to brass utensils, mango wood and traditional clay stoves, the markets are stocking up on essentials as devotees begin preparations for the festival dedicated to the Sun God and Chhathi Maiya.
The demand for bamboo-made items has already started picking up, with traders bringing supplies from different parts of Bihar and neighbouring states to meet the seasonal demand.
Traders Shri Shyam Babu and Twinkle Gupta, who deal in these items at Khajekalan Mandi, said bamboo soops are sourced from Purnia, Madhupur and Sahibganj, while baskets arrive from Chhapra, Dighwara and Naya Gaon. Dagras (traditional bamboo trays) are brought from Shitalpur, while bamboo hand fans are sourced from Shitalpur and various parts of Patna.
They expect sales of soops, daura, dagra and chhanti baskets to increase significantly from Nahaye-Khaye, the first day of the Chhath rituals, as devotees step up their preparations.
Brass Soops Also Find Buyers
Alongside traditional bamboo products, brass soops have also found a place in the Chhath markets. While some devotees purchase brass soops for their durability and long-term use, bamboo soops continue to be purchased for the rituals.
Dilip Kumar Kasera, Rahul and Raju Kumar of Sadikpur, who are associated with the brass and utensils trade in Khajekalan, said brass soops are sold by weight. Brass is currently priced between Rs 800 and Rs 1,600 per kg in the market.
According to traders, brass and bronze utensils are largely sourced from Mirzapur, Parev, Jagadhri and Moradabad. A range of utensils is available in different weights and price categories to suit buyers.
Chhath Puja Shopping: Prices of Traditional Items
With shopping picking up, traders have stocked a variety of traditional items required for the festival. The indicative market prices are:
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Bamboo soop | Rs 85–125 per piece |
| Daura | Rs 175–350 per piece |
| Bamboo basket | Rs 150–250 per piece |
| Double-woven daura | Rs 300–600 per piece |
| Brass soop | Rs 800–1,600 per piece |
| Topiya | Rs 1,000–1,800 per piece |
| Gagra | Rs 900–1,700 per piece |
| Brass plate | Rs 900–1,200 per piece |
Demand for Mango Wood and Traditional Clay Stoves Rises
Another important aspect of Chhath preparations is the traditional cooking arrangement used to prepare offerings, particularly thekua and kharna prasad.
With devotees preferring traditional methods of cooking, the demand for mango wood and earthen stoves has increased in the markets. Temporary stalls at prominent intersections are selling these items, with buyers gradually making their purchases ahead of the festival.
Traders at Khajekalan Mandi said mango wood is selling at Rs 120 to Rs 150 for a five-kilogram bundle, while traditional clay stoves are priced between Rs 150 and Rs 250 per piece.
The mango wood is brought to Patna markets from Vaishali, Saran and other districts of North Bihar.
For those looking for a more durable alternative, iron-sheet stoves are also available. These are priced between Rs 700 and Rs 1,400 per piece and are attracting buyers preparing for the festival.
