Ranchi Markets Bustle with Festive Energy Ahead of Lohri and Makar Sankranti
Ranchi transformed into a vibrant hub of activity on Tuesday. Markets across the city reported a sharp increase in the sale of milk and curd. This surge is directly linked to preparations for Lohri and the upcoming Makar Sankranti festivals.
Festive Demand Drives Dairy Sales Higher
Traders observed that demand started picking up from Monday. Households are actively stocking essentials required for traditional rituals and festive meals. According to local dairy officials, Makar Sankranti stands as one of the biggest drivers of milk and curd consumption in Ranchi every year.
Amritesh Kumar, the assistant general manager of Medha Dairy in Ranchi, provided specific figures. "Compared to last year, we have seen a 25 to 30 percent increase in sales this year," he said. "Between January 12 and 15, demand rises almost three times. We plan our production and distribution schedules well in advance to meet this spike."
Kumar explained that distributors also make advance payments during this festive window. This practice helps ensure an uninterrupted supply chain. He highlighted the dramatic shift in sales patterns. "On a normal day, curd sales are quite limited. However, during Makar Sankranti, the demand for curd goes up to around 80,000 kilograms. Today, milk sales touched nearly 3.5 lakh litres," Kumar stated. He attributed this significant surge to the widespread use of milk and curd in ritual offerings and special festive dishes.
Lohri Celebrations Add to the Festive Buzz
Alongside the preparations for Makar Sankranti, Lohri celebrations contributed to the city's cheerful atmosphere. Community events for Sanjhi Lohri were held at various venues. These included the Lala Lajpat Rai Community Hall, areas outside the Metro Gali gurdwara, and parts of Upper Bazaar.
Navjot Alang, who participated in the community celebrations, shared his thoughts. "Lohri is all about togetherness and sharing happiness. People gather around the bonfire, offer traditional sweets like tilkut and revdi, along with popcorn. The celebration is complete with music and dance," he said.
The festive spirit was palpable among shoppers as well. Rakesh Verma, a shopper in Upper Bazaar, expressed the dual joy of the season. "We celebrate Lohri with our neighbours, sharing warmth and sweets. For Makar Sankranti, we focus on family rituals. The markets are definitely crowded, but everyone is in a cheerful mood," Verma remarked.
The combination of these two festivals has created a unique economic and cultural moment in Ranchi. The city's markets are thriving, and the community is coming together in celebration, marking a prosperous start to the new year.
