Jamdani saris are the typical choice of Bangali women round the year, mainly for their quality texture and glamorous designs. At any festival, Jamadani remains one of the best picks among all ages of women, and no wonder that the demand and price for the saris will spike during the ongoing Eid bonanza.
As in other festivals, sari outlets in big shopping malls in the capital have displayed different types of Jamdani to attract the attention of their customers ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.
In recent visits to different malls in the capital, it was found that Jamdani saris are being sold at prices ranging from Tk3,000 to Tk40,000 per piece.
However, special Jamdani with unique craftsmanship, designs and finest fabrics is being sold between Tk1 lakh and Tk1.50 lakh.
Traders have said special Jamadani has special buyers.
According to vendors, Adi Jamdani is on top of the demand list for this Eid, as its prices range from Tk15,000 to Tk20,000.
Mostafa Jabbar, a vendor at Basundhara Shopping Mall, says there remains a demand for Jamdani all the year round but it gains momentum during Eid festivals.
Jamndani usually comes in three qualities — made in cotton fabrics, made in silk fabrics and half silk fabrics, he mentions.
The traditional saris have different types of designs with their attractive names to woo customers. Their names include Tercha, Jalpaar, Pannahajar, Corolla, Dublajal, Saburaga, Balihar, Shapalaphul, Ginger, Mayurpanchpar, Kalimilata, Chandrapar, Jhumka and Mayurpakha.
Traders say they are having all the types of Jamdani, keeping in mind the demand from wide range of Eid shoppers.
“Like most of the time, Dhakai Jamdani is the biggest hit in the Eid bazaar. In my long business career, I have not seen any other Jamdani brand as popular as Dhakai," he adds.
Its factories are mainly in Demra, Rupganj and Taraganj areas in Narayanganj. The prices range between Tk3,000 and Tk1 lakh, vendors have said.
Asked, Saiful Ahmed, sales manager of Jamdani Sari Kuthir at Basundhara Shopping Mall, has said although imported saris are available in the market, the interest of the buyers for the local saris have not decreased.
“Jamdani remains always in the first place when it comes to customers’ choice and Eid attraction. Its demand has been increasing day by day”, he adds.
Umme Salma, sales associate of Aarong, has said Jamdani and hand-stitched saris are mostly sold at their different outlets ahead of Eid. They have Jamdani collections with price ranging from Tk4,500 to Tk22,000.
Rokeay Begum, a shopper at Basundhara Shopping Mall, says she always prefers to have Jamdani for herself in all Eid festivals.
“The fabrics and designs of Jamdani are always trendy and glamorous. It looks beautiful with light colour. Besides, it is very comfortable to wear,” she smiles.
Mita and Rita, two siblings who came to buy saris at the same shopping mall, said, though usually they wore cotton saris, they preferred Jamdani at the festival time.
Customer's Reaction on prices of Jamdani
Buyers have claimed that the prices of Jamdani saris have increased this time compared to previous years.
Shahanj Begum, a government service holder, said every year she used to buy more than two Jamdani saris for herself and other members of her family. But this year she only bought two saris for her Eid shopping.
“Because of high prices, I couldn't afford to buy more saris like previous times”, she added.
“Prices of Jamadani are exorbitant this time,” Shahnaj told Dhaka Tribune.
On high prices of Jamdani, Masud Rana, manager of Jotey Sari, said Jamdani had been a symbol of nobility and aristocracy for centuries. He said tradition and culture have also a cost.
Mamunur Rashid, sales associate of Shalimar, said this year the price of Jamndai saree increased a bit because of soaring cotton prices in both local and international markets.
He said they procured Jamdani saris directly from craftsmen to ensure their qualities and varieties.
“Our specialties in Jamadani saris are the main cause for higher prices,” Rashid said.
