Rajshahi, Mar 23 (V7N) – Traditional Rajshahi silk is experiencing a surge in demand as shoppers prepare for Eid-ul-Fitr, with traders anticipating sales reaching half a billion taka.

Shoppers like Mahmuda Khatun, a Rajshahi University student, are flocking to local silk showrooms, drawn by the fabric's unique appeal and traditional significance.

"For her, Eid shopping means traditional Rajshahi silk. So she came with her family to Sapura Silk showroom in Rajshahi," a local reporter stated.

"Personally, I prefer local fabrics. Silk is always at the top of everyone's list. I always feel that it is good to get something from silk. And when Eid comes, everyone's demand increases," Mahmuda Khatun told Jago News.

A field visit to the city's BSCIC area revealed a significant influx of customers, including buyers from other districts, taking advantage of the holiday shopping period. Showroom owners are reporting brisk business and a cheerful atmosphere.

"A field visit revealed that since it was a holiday, there was a large crowd of customers at the showrooms in the city's BSCIC area. Even buyers from other departments came to take advantage of the opportunity. Shopkeepers are trading in a cheerful mood due to the good customer presence," a local business report indicated.

Rajshahi silk showrooms are offering a wide range of products, including sarees, punjabis, sherwanis, three-pieces, shirts, hijabs, veils, and scarves. Prices vary, with sarees ranging from 1,000 to 30,000 taka, punjabis from 1,000 to 7,000 taka, sherwanis from 8,000 to 25,000 taka, and three-pieces from 1,000 to 10,000 taka.

"Sarees of different names including Balaka, Mecca, Katan, Chip Katan are being sold at prices ranging from 1,000 to 30,000 taka. Punjabi is priced at 1-7,000 taka, Sherwani at 8-25,000 taka, and three-piece at 1-10,000 taka," a showroom representative confirmed.

Showroom owners, like Khurshida Khatun Khushi of Rajshahi Silk Fashion Showroom, have introduced new collections, including muslin fabrics, soft silk, Katan Jayashree Silk, and Tasar Silk. They aim to cater to a broad customer base by maintaining competitive prices.

"We have made more muslin fabrics from Rajshahi Silk this time. Along with muslin, we also have soft silk. Apart from that, we also have Katan Jayashree Silk and Tasar Silk," Khurshida Khatun Khushi stated.

Ashraf Ali, director of Rajshahi Sapura Silk Mill Limited, noted the high demand for muslin silk, attributing it to the fabric's comfort during the transitional weather.

"Since Eid has come a little earlier this year and falls between winter and summer, we have made clothes using muslin silk to make the clothes comfortable," Ashraf Ali said.

Liaquat Ali, president of the Bangladesh Ration Industry Owners Association, expressed optimism about sales, anticipating a total turnover of approximately 500 million taka.

"I hope that silk will be sold for about 50 crore taka," Liaquat Ali said.

The surge in demand highlights the enduring popularity of Rajshahi silk and its significance during the Eid festivities.

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