As a sharp cold wave grips Patna, the city's landscape has undergone a vibrant transformation. Key roads and thoroughfares have morphed into bustling seasonal bazaars, with countless makeshift stalls and roadside vendors offering a vast array of winter essentials. From thick woollen blankets to decorative floor coverings, these impromptu markets are catering to the urgent need for warmth during the harsh winter months.
Concrete Homes Turn Cold, Driving Demand for Floor Warmth
Residents highlight a unique challenge of urban living. While concrete, marble, and tile constructions provide relief in the scorching summer, they become intensely cold during winter. This has made floor coverings an absolute necessity for household comfort. Garima Choudhary, a resident of Khajpura, explained the common practice. She noted that to protect family members, especially children who often walk barefoot, families are spreading warm carpets and mats across their floors to provide essential underfoot warmth and retain heat indoors.
Vendors Celebrate Peak Season as Sales Soar
For local vendors, the winter chill signals the start of their most profitable period. Mukesh Kumar, who operates a stall near Patna Zoo, confirmed that demand spikes inversely with the falling mercury. "Sales are negligible in summer, but in winter, these items sell like hotcakes," he remarked. These vibrant markets have emerged across crucial city stretches including Nehru Path, Jagdeo Path, Raja Bazar, areas near Patna Zoo, Rajendra Nagar, and close to Patna Junction.
Price Range and Popular Picks
The variety is extensive, with prices catering to all budgets. According to vendor insights, smaller rugs placed near beds start at around Rs 500 and can go up to Rs 1,500, depending on size and quality. A standard single-size carpet measuring four by six feet ranges between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000. For larger carpets, prices span from Rs 1,500 to a premium Rs 5,000. Among the bestsellers are faux fur rugs and mats, particularly for placement outside bathrooms. Rajiv Gupta, a customer shopping at Raja Bazar, praised their dual utility, saying, "The fur mats are soft and warm underfoot. Their rubberized underside also prevents slips, offering both safety and comfort."
The seasonal economic activity underscores a direct response to climatic needs. As Patna continues to shiver, these temporary winter markets are not just commercial hubs but vital community resources, ensuring residents can stay cozy until the warmth returns.
