Shopping for Bhai Dooj has gathered pace following Diwali, bringing increased footfall to clothing markets in Rampur. Brothers are visiting stores to buy gifts for their sisters, with sarees emerging as a popular choice. Banarasi, Chanderi, Bandhani and designer sarees are among the varieties attracting customers. Retailers have stocked new collections sourced from Delhi, Surat, Jaipur and Indore. Prices range from Rs 500 to several thousand rupees.
Brothers are making advance preparations to select gifts for their sisters ahead of Bhai Dooj. This year, demand in Rampur's clothing market includes Banarasi silk and Chanderi sarees, along with Patola prints, Bandhani and Leheriya designs. Maheshwari and Gadwal sarees are also available at local stores.
Retailers said customers are paying particular attention to their sisters' preferences while selecting sarees. Some are looking for light-coloured options, while others are asking for darker shades and sarees with broad borders. Along with lightweight sarees for everyday wear, customers are also purchasing silk sarees suitable for weddings and other occasions.
Sarees featuring sequin work, embroidery and designer borders are also drawing attention. The arrival of new collections has expanded the range of options available to buyers.
Rampur's clothing market offers sarees across different price ranges, allowing customers to choose according to their budgets. Sarees made from lightweight fabrics and featuring basic prints start at Rs 500. Several designs are also available in the Rs 1,000-2,000 price range.
Banarasi silk, Chanderi and party-wear sarees are priced higher depending on the fabric and workmanship. Some stores also stock sarees costing several thousand rupees.
To make festival shopping more convenient, traders have arranged sarees across different price categories in their stores. Some customers are comparing two or three designs before consulting family members about colours and preferences prior to making a purchase.
Sarees are not the only clothing items being purchased for Bhai Dooj. Brothers are also visiting ready-made garment stores to select outfits for their sisters. Suits, shararas, designer kurtis and tops are among the items being purchased.
Stores have displayed new-fashion kurtis for young women, along with embroidered suits. While some customers prefer traditional outfits, others are exploring Western-style dresses for their sisters.
Traders said they had brought in fresh stocks of clothing ahead of the festival. The collections include everyday wear as well as party-wear outfits. Shopkeepers expect customer footfall to increase further around the festival.
Saree retailer Sunil Agarwal said customers had started visiting his store for Bhai Dooj shopping. This year, the store has stocked new collections of designer sarees alongside Banarasi, Chanderi and Bandhani varieties. The availability of sarees at different price points is allowing customers to shop within their budgets.
Saree trader Shobhit Gupta said brothers were selecting clothes according to their sisters' preferences. Demand continues for both lightweight sarees and silk varieties. Stores have also introduced several new colours and patterns that customers are considering.
Bhai Dooj celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. On this occasion, sisters apply tilak to their brothers and pray for their long life and well-being. Brothers, in turn, express their affection by giving gifts to their sisters.
As the festival approaches, shopping activity increases at clothing and gift stores. In Rampur, brothers are looking for sarees and dresses that match their sisters' preferences. The availability of new designs and clothing across different price ranges is providing customers with a wider choice.
