jose k joseph
post news network
Bhubaneswar, June 28: The large-canopied, fold-free umbrellas with pointed tip and curved handle, are staging a comeback, albeit in new age avatars. These umbrellas are finding takers among the young and old alike for reasons that range from being fashionable to being practical.
Some of the conspicuous users of these umbrellas in the city are traffic policemen. But their ‘parasols’ don’t sport the once universal black cloth canopy. It has instead made way for navy blue and white canopies that match colours of the traffic police uniform.
“These umbrellas have been given to the police by some good Samaritans who saw their plight in having to stand in the hot sun and in pouring rain. We are happy that these gifts have turned out to be trendy too,” assistant commissioner of police (traffic) Jatin Kumar Panda said.
Umbrella sellers in the city whom Orissa POST spoke with say they are seeing greater demand for these large-canopied umbrellas. These umbrellas are in greater demand today among college boys.
“Many come here specifically asking for big, colourful designer umbrellas. Currently, many shops have only the traditional black umbrellas. But many of us have given orders for printed colorful umbrellas and we will have stocks within a week,” Jaydev Pradhan, an umbrella seller, said.
But girls appear to be unmoved and less keen on keeping with this trend. They said size made these umbrellas unweildy and, therefore, less attractive to them.
“The vintage big umbrellas are definitely cool. But, we usually prefer the three-fold or two-fold umbrellas as these easily fit in our vanity bags,” Lipsita Mishra, a college student, said.
Older people, needless to say have a special place in their hearts for fold-free umbrellas.
“These vintage umbrellas are the best suited for the rainy season. I usually keep these big umbrellas in my car. But for daily use I prefer the two-fold umbrella because it is convenient to carry around,” JB Sarangi, a senior citizen, said.
If the city is yet to offer buyers fashionable umbrellas, the internet makes up for the paucity of choice. Some online websites are reporting good sale for umbrellas with water repellent canopies.
Office-goers in the city are opting for such umbrellas. “Although umbrellas with repellent fabric canopies are expensive, they are quite convenient for ladies and worth the money,” Sumitra Biswal, an office-goer, said.
