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Bhubaneswar, June 16: Early morning rain heralded the arrival of Monsoon in the Capital Thursday. The first big shower relieved the city of the heat and humidity of the past few days and also boosted monsoon sale at shopping centers and online sites.
The rain has brought cheer to most residents of the city, while also leaving some brows furrowed. Orissa POST spoke with residents to find out what they thought about monsoon wardrobe trends and their worries about the wet season.
Some of the key shopping hotspots in the city were outlets selling rain coats. With more than 60 per cent of city residents using two-wheelers, there was a huge demand for these.
“Riding two-wheelers in the summers here makes you feel you are biking through a desert. The rain has relieved us of the heat but now rain coats are a must. I would also like to buy a trendy rain coat but most shops here have limited selection,” Ravindra Maharana, a college student, said.
However, some office-goers who are required to wear formal wear to work are a bit worried about rain.
“If it rains suddenly it can always spoil our dress. I always take great care in getting the right rain gear to keep from getting wet during the monsoon,” Santosh Kumar, a bank officer, said.
Women, particularly those habituated to wearing the saree, find the rain a big challenge.
“It is difficult to go to office wearing a saree during the rains. I prefer polyester sarees as they are suited for the weather and dry easily,” Bibaswani Patra, a senior citizen, said.
Even members of the present generation prefer polyester dresses with floral prints to wear during the rains.
“I am not comfortable in a saree as they cause much trouble when they get wet. I prefer polyester floral tops and jeans,” Rashmi Mohanty, a BJB college student, said.
When some worry about their monsoon attire, others are worrying about how the rains will affect their livelihood.
Bansidhar, a cobbler, is bracing against fall in business with the arrival of the rains.
“People will no longer come to get their shoes shined. Most will wearing slippers or sandals. I will have only have mending work to do if at all,” Bansidhar said.
Roadside food vendors are also worried about business. “Rains with heavy wind are our biggest fear. Many of our regular customers will then prefer to go to restaurants. We are a bit worried about loss of business in this season,” Sanjay Mohanty, a fast food vendor near Bhubaneswar railway station, said.
