Bhubaneswar: The ongoing first ever Rajdhani Banijya Mela at the exhibition ground in Bhubaneswar has everything — from automobiles and handlooms to electronic and fashion accessories — and a buyer can find any item that he wishes for at the event. In fact, many more items beckon visitors and foodies to throw a challenge to their taste buds.
The Mela is a mega affair. On the fifth day, Wednesday, the fair witnessed a footfall of 3500 people who were busy shopping for the upcoming Durga Puja, and many were trying out delicacies at the event.
Orissa POST interacted with a few of the buyers and sellers to elicit their opinions. Gujrati Mohan, a Kalamkari sari, dress and chunri seller, said: “The first two days were dull, but today I am very happy to witness such a huge crowd. I have already sold 40 pieces of Kalamkari suits and expect much more business in the coming days.”
Itishree Naina, a student of KIIT University, said: “Come winter the Exhibition Ground is filled with fairs and as this is the first Banijya Mela that has been organised in the capital, I am very excited to have a look at all the stalls (150 altogether).”
Ahmed Guler, a seller of compact shoe cases, stressed the need for advertisement of the fair, while Lalan Ram a bangle seller from UP, feels that the fair has a decent crowd. “Although many are complaining, I am not. This is because I understand that we have to compete with Cotton Fab and Parichay, which are running parallel to our fair.”
Haseena Bano, homemaker and mother of two, seems excited to buy a Phulkari dupatta. Husain, her younger son, hardly has any patience as he runs around the shops to his heart’s content.
Tammana Dasrathi, a young professional, said: “The Auto Fair is quite exciting as we are getting the chance to see modern cars there.”
The organisers, however, said, “Due to huge public demand, we are thinking of extending our fair up to Saturday. With 70 sellers setting up 150 stalls, it’s really tough for us to handle the crowd in the evening.” From Banarasi saris to Ruchi masalas, Shaukin mattresses, many firms are displaying their best products, said Sanjiv Behera, one of the organisers of the fair. With four more days to go, Banijya Mela 2018 seems to be a big hot among shoppers.
