Staff Reporter
Guwahati: With just days left for the country’s 78th Independence Day, city markets are bustling with tricolour-themed merchandise under the central government’s Har Ghar Tiranga campaign. However, behind the festive buzz, local traders are grappling with supply delays, higher transportation costs, and damaged consignments — factors eating into their profits.
Shopkeepers say sourcing items from outside the state has become unavoidable due to delays from local self-help groups. The added freight charges and occasional losses have pushed up prices, leaving traders with slimmer margins.
Market shelves are stacked with national flags, t-shirts, lehengas, ribbons, scarfs, badge pins, caps, and bangles. Prices vary from Rs 50 to Rs 500 for flags and Rs 50 to Rs 200 for smaller accessories. “We need variety to attract customers. Without it, sales drop,” said a trader arranging stacks of flags.
National flags and t-shirts remain the most sought-after items. “So far, I have sold over 15 flags and expect sales to rise in the next three days,” another shopkeeper said, adding that many buyers are parents preparing for school performances.
Despite the cost crunch, traders expect heavy footfall over the weekend, as the city gears up to mark the day with patriotic fervour.
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