EID is a time of joy and renewal. With less than a wdek to go before the big day, youngsters arc a familiar sight at shopping malls, boutiques and other shops. These outlets boast of a range of trendy and traditional attire, both western and indigenous. 'Die latter, particularly Chakma and Manipuri garments, are a favourite with shoppers.

In the run up to Eid, the city is dotted with many indigenous handloom fairs. In a handloom fair in Karwan Bazar, Manipuri Handicrafts offers buyers a range of apparel. Particularly attractive to buyers are th e Manipuri sarees. Ranjita Singha, the proprietor of the shop, came all the way from Maulvi Bazar along with her weavers for the fair.

She said, ’I have been in this profession since 1994. We offer buyers special designs in saris, as for instance, our exquisite Rani Sari range. The sari has been designed by a Manipuri designer Rani, who lived in Sylhet around 100 years ago. The design has been passed on among the Manipuris through generations.’

Ranjita Singha draws attention to the fact that every Manipuri family has at least one weaving machine at home to make handloom saris, salwar-kamiz, three pieces, fatua, bed cover, Jali Chadars, Orna, Shawls and the traditional costume of Manipuri girls, Filop-Rinik-Blouse. These garments have a huge demand among the Bangalce women. Nilkanto Singha, another worker of the stall, said 'We want to make this attire more popular. However, as we only get meagre support from the authorities this is a difficult proposition.’

Chakma apparel is also a big seller in Dhaka. Among the stalls in the handloom fair in Shegun Bagicha is Moyon Textile which sells Chakma garments. Aparna Chakma, the salesgirl of the stall, said, The workers are from the hilly region of Rangamati. Our clothes and designs arc in great demand around the country. However, we can hardly fulfill the demand because of several obstacles.' As she pointed out, the production cost is very high since the whole process of production, ranging from spinning the thread with Shimul Ibola to colouring the fabric, is done manually by the hill people. Among the attire most in demand by the Chakma people arc saris, salwar- kamiz, and bed sheets. Equally popular are the traditional attire of Chakma girlsLefoarand Pinon Khadi —the most expensive ones. The main expenditure is due to the cost of cotton threads in which they use dyes to make tire vivid colours fast and longlasting.

Rehana Akhtar, a regular wearer of Chakma garments said,' 1 always buy this apparel because the bright and attractive colours are long lasting and the quality is good, even if the price is abithigh.'

The handloom fairs arc a natural stop for people who want to buy such

indigenous garments. But during offseason the buyer has to go to the home towns of the manufacturers. It is a telling commentary that, in the absence of patronage, there arc no permanent showrooms or shops in Dhaka.

Photo: Afsar Ahmed