Basking in the glory of being the permanent abode of Lord Shiva, the holy city has started witnessing greater demand for saffron garments, the traditional costume of kanwariyas (devotees of Lord Shiva). A large number of devotees thronged the city on Sunday to worship the principal deity on the first Monday of holy Shrawan month falling on July 18 this year.
While the market in busy Gadaulia area near the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple witnessed brisk sale of saffron garments, other prominent market areas including Lanka, Bhelupur, Sigra, Maidagin and trans-Varuna areas are also reaping the harvest.
"This is the only auspicious month of the year that witnesses craving for saffron garments as they hold special significance for Lord Shiva, who is worshipped with flower, water and milk. As the period is restricted to a month, efforts are made to lure devotees with attractive messages and pictures of deities," said Vinod Jaiswal, one of the shopkeepers in Gadaulia area.
The list of items displayed for buyers (devotees) was long as it ranged from T-shirts and shorts to shirts and pyjamas, all saffron-coloured items to suit the occasion. Similarly, saffron sarees and blouses along with salwar and kurtis were also available for women devotees, who come from different parts to offer water (Gangajal) and milk to Lord Shiva.
"We have already ordered for fresh stock of saffron garments as the strength is going to rise in the coming days with more demand pouring in. In addition, we have tried to provide all related articles including the decorated 'kanwar' (the carrier used for carrying water and milk) along with containers to carry milk and water," said Ashok Pandey, a shopkeeper from Dasaswamedh area
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