Traditional raincoats in Uttarakhand have international demand

Kaladungi (Uttarakhand), Sept 18 : Traditional raincoats made of palm leaves at Kaladungi in Uttarakhand are popular with Indian and foreign tourists who take them as souvenirs.

These raincoats are made by villagers who spend a day in collecting palm leaves and it takes them three to four hours to prepare one raincoat. Villagers and farmers wear this traditional coat during rains and other seasons to protect themselves.

Anand Singh Bisht, a raincoat maker in Kaldungi village, is happy as his product is in demand both nationally as well as among foreigners.

"It takes three to four hours to make one rain coat. We don't use it that much. But these are liked by foreigners. So we are making them," said Anand Singh Bisht, another raincoat maker.

Mona Desai, a shopkeeper, is happy, as she has got an order for ten raincoats from foreign buyers.

"Whether it is domestic tourists or foreign tourists, they come here and get interested on seeing them because it is a new thing for them. Last year, we sold some but this year, the sale has been better as compared to last year," said Mona Desai. Residents believe that revival of such traditional gear can help preserve the Kumaon culture. It can also translate into good business helping the villagers to earn their livelihood. By Vipul Goel

ANI