Moulvibazar Correspondent :
Manipuri cloth has become a symbol of tradition in Sylhet. Earlier there was a demand for these fabrics among themselves but now tourists in entire Sylhet are attracted and inclined towards Manipuri fabrics. Many people do not forget to buy these clothes when they visit Sylhet. Besides, there is a special demand for this cloth all over the country. Buyers have a special inclination towards these locally produced cloths in Sylhet in the winter market. The Manipuri cloth shops in the Sylhet division are now crowding aimed winter cloths again. Vendors say Manipuri cloths including Monipuri Chadors selling are increasing as well because of the design and variety.
There are at least 30 Manipuri clothing shops on both sides of the road in the Lama Bazar area of Sylhet City and around 100 shops in Srimangal and Kamalganj Upazila in Moulvibazar. It was seen on the spot recently that almost all the shops are selling clothes of the same quality, price and design. As the prices are relatively low, different classes of people are buying these clothes.
Women are especially buying winters cloths, saris and three-pieces. The price of a sari is 1,250 to 3,500 taka, three-piece is 600 to 1,200 taka, Monipuri Saal 500 to 6000 taka. There is also a demand for blankets, bed sheets and towels. Towels are being sold at 90 to 390 taka, bed sheets at 800 to 1,500 taka, and blankets at 320 to 2,150 taka.
A woman named Shahnaz Akhter said, ‘I will send a Monipuri saal to two my non-Sylheti girlfriends as an winter gift for this time. So I bought two Manipuri saris and shawls of two colors. The price is also relatively cheap. Surely they will be happy to get these saris and saal produced by mixing the traditions. ‘
Anup Paul Chowdhury, proprietor of Sriang Manipuri Fashion, said there is a huge demand for Manipuri clothes this winter as well. However, compared to last time, the amount of sales has increased a bit.
In 2014, an organization called ‘Moirang’ was started with the joint efforts of Manipuri women weavers. The brand is sponsored by the Ethnic Community Development Organization (ECDO) in the Shibganj area of the Sylhet city. Its products are also available in showrooms as well as in the local textile company ‘Sharrutu’ in Lama Bazar area.
Humayun Kabir, chief executive of Sharratu, said the price of Moirang brand clothes is a bit higher than other Manipuri clothes. However, the yarn of the sari made in various designs is of very high quality. So these clothes are being sold ahead winter Bazaar too. He said the sari produced by the weavers of Moiranga is priced at taka 3,600 to taka 5,300.
Many shopkeepers at different Monipuri markets of the Srimangal told this correspondent that demand for different varieties of Monipuri shawls and woolen blankets is also high this year, and the prices of the warm clothes are comparatively higher this year than last year.
AK Sheram, President of the Manipuri Language, Research and Development Organization, said Thaibi, a princess from Manipur, India, used to make Manipuri garments in the twelfth century with fine craftsmanship. Manipuri women have kept that tradition. Earlier there was a demand for this cloth only among Manipuris. Now it is acceptable to everyone irrespective of religion and caste.
He added that many of the Manipuri weavers are poor.
So some traders are taking all the materials to Manipuris in advance and making clothes at low prices. The middlemen are benefiting more. Apart from that, now sari is being produced in Manipuri design machine. As a result, weavers are lagging behind in the competition.
