After six months of lull in business activities owing to a lockdown, the Durga Puja rush in the market has brought hope for traders in Jharkhand.

The footfall of customers has increased since mid-October, and tradesmen in the state capital are expecting bumper sales that would help them cope with the loss incurred during the nationwide lockdown.

The Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries (FJCCI), which is the largest trade body in the tribal state, has been watching the changes in the market lately, and is optimistic about the revival of small and medium businesses during the festive season.

Kunal Ajmani, the president of FJCCI, said that based on the inputs the trade body received from the market, it is clear that the footfall has increased in various shops and people are buying things from the market.

“Production will also increase once the demand increases during the festive season. It is good news for the traders that people are visiting shops and malls to shop for the festivals, but I would also like to request the customers to follow Covid-19 precautionary measures while they are out for shopping,” Ajmani said.

Since the reopening of the markets, the textile and the automobile industries have seen the highest demand in Jharkhand cities, Ajmani added. He said that the textile industry is expected to do well during Durga Puja and Diwali, while the automobile industry may see bulk bookings on Dhanteras.

Rahul Minocha, one of the owners of Shopper’s Mart in Ranchi said that the footfall increased in the shops selling readymade clothes. However, the rush was still less in comparison with last year, he added. “The textile industry was worst-hit during the lockdown. We were also the last to resume our business post lockdown. The footfall is gradually increasing. Let’s hope that we make up for the loss,” he said.

Ashok Mishra, an employee at Nexa Arena, said that the showroom has already started getting bookings for Dhanteras. Around a dozen cars, he added, were booked so far.

However, tourism, hospitality, tent houses and event industries need time for revival.

Sources said that the biggest setback was for the tent house and catering business.

Vishal Singh of Chottanagpur Tent house said, "We were expecting some orders and contracts during Durga Puja, but we are yet to get major orders this time as the government has decided to have lowkey Durga Puja celebrations."