GUWAHATI: Flag sales in Guwahati have declined this year, with fewer people buying flags for their homes. Shopkeepers noted that most customers now prefer small flags for their bikes and other vehicles, a trend that has considerably affected the demand for larger flags.
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Talking to GPlus, an official from the Assam Khadi & Village Industries Board said, "The prices of flags this year are largely the same as last year. However, compared to two years ago, there has been an increase."
The official detailed the prices of handmade flags: a 6 ftx4ft size costs Rs 750, a 3ftx4 ½ft size is Rs 560, and a 3ftx2ft size is Rs 300. Smaller flags like the 0.50-meter size are priced at Rs 220, while 0.35 meters cost Rs 130. Larger flags, such as the 6ftx9ft size are sold for Rs 100, with the 16.80-meter flag priced at Rs 480 and 9-meter flags at Rs 360.
On the other hand, synthetic flags sold at retail outlets are priced differently. Vendors in areas like Silpukhuri, Ganeshguri, and Fancy Bazaar reported that synthetic flags start at Rs 20 and go up to Rs 300, depending on the size and material.
Despite the availability, sales have been lacklustre. Shopkeepers noted a shift in buying patterns.
Talking to GPlus, a vendor in Ganeshguri said, "These days, most of the bikers or two-wheeler owners are buying flags. Very few people are purchasing them for their homes anymore."
A customer in Silpukhuri said, "We reuse the flags we bought earlier. There is no need to buy new ones every year."
Flag vendors are also struggling to meet customer expectations.
Talking to GPlus, a shopkeeper in Fancy Bazaar said, "The increased prices are discouraging buyers. We are forced to sell at higher rates due to limited supply, and many customers cannot afford it."
The shortage of high-quality synthetic flags has exacerbated the problem. A flag manufacturer in Guwahati explained, "Demand has impacted the availability of raw materials for synthetic flags. This has delayed production and increased costs."
As a result, lower-income households and repeat customers are hesitant to make new purchases. Retailers said that even patriotic buyers are reconsidering their spending due to the financial strain.
As Republic Day nears, the hope remains that rising costs and supply issues won’t overshadow the public’s enthusiasm to celebrate the occasion with pride.
