Gathi makers struggling for survival

Aurangabad, March 24:

For two years in a row, the lockdown has been declared during the Holi festival, causing huge financial losses to traders involved in manufacturing Gathis (garland of sugar syrup). The business is suffering tremendous loss as the money invested in both years has been lost. Also, the labourers who are dependent on this business have become unemployed.

Many factories located in different parts of the city, start making Gathis two months in advance every year before Holi. Recovering from the shock of the previous year, this year all the businesses started making Gathis hoping to see good business. However, once again a partial lockdown has been declared and restrictions have been put in place for Holi celebrations. The retailers, who used to purchase around 1,000-1,500 kg of Gathi, are now buying only 50-100 kg of goods. Also, retailers from small villages have not [laced any orders for Gathis this year. Small factories in the city have closed down due to unbearable losses. As a result, the price of Gathis are expected to rise this year, said Gathi maker Kanhaiyalal Yadav.

1 crore turnover stalled

In both years, due to the Covid and lockdown during Holi, the turnover of Rs 1 crore has come to a standstill. As a result, traders now have no choice but to wait for next year.

Many factories closed

It is not easy to run Gathi business in Covid times. Those who have taken loans from banks are facing huge difficulties. As a result, many have closed their factories. Those in business are making losses. However, as there is no option, they have to continue with the business, said Yadav. We have been in this business for many generations. The lockdown cost us Rs 4-5 lakh last year. There are about 10 Gathi making businesses in the city and each employs 3-4 people. Now all these businesses are in crisis, said Lakshminarayan Shahu, Gathi manufacturer.

Generations are in the business of making Gathis. Karagirs (artisans) from far off places such as Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad and from other places descend in the city 20-25 days before Holi and prepare the sugary sweet in huge stocks. The sugar used in making the sweet is brought from Kolhapur-Solapur region. In the city, there are a number of small in-house manufacturing units situated in Begumpura, Gulmandi, Dhavni Mohalla, Mondha and other areas.

Gathi rates:

Wholesale market: Rs 60 to 62 per kg

Retail Market: Rs 80 to 100 per kg