Rain Dampens Durga Puja Sales: Small Traders Hit Hard

Torrential rain significantly dampened the spirits of Durga Puja celebrations and deeply affected small and medium traders in Jharkhand. Expected sales boosts due to recent GST cuts were dashed, with losses in cities like Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and Dhanbad ranging between 25% to 60%. Traders hope Dhanteras might compensate for some losses.

Torrential rain not only overshadowed the Durga Puja festivity in Jharkhand but also severely impacted small and medium businesses relying on festive sales, according to trader associations.

Traders in key locations such as Ranchi, Jamshedpur, and Dhanbad face losses between 25% to 60%. The expected uptick in consumer spending, encouraged by GST cuts, faltered as heavy rains discouraged foot traffic, turning hopeful sales projections to losses.

As weather forecasts predict drier conditions leading up to Dhanteras, traders, particularly those in consumer goods, remain optimistic about recovering some of their lost profits.

(With inputs from agencies.)