Pandemic takes sheen off Amroha ‘topi’ this Holi

BIJNOR: For a dozen-odd families of Amroha, the festival of Holi used to be one of the busiest times of the year as young and old joined together to make colorful handmade cotton caps with congratulatory messages imprinted on them. Donning the “topi” was a must for Holi revelers. The demand resulted in a turnover of Rs 30 to Rs 40 lakhs.
The prevailing Covid-19 pandemic has taken the sheen off Holi this time.These families stare at huge losses as demand has dipped.
Naseem Ahmad, a topi-maker , said, “Covid-19 pandemic has eclipsed this vocation. Last year, Holi occurred before the lockdown, so we had decent business. But this year, the demand is nowhere to be seen.” There is no market for these caps in Delhi and UP.
Haneef Rahmani, a manufacturer, said, "Topi-making is our art passed down from one generation to the other. We know no other skill. There are several families engaged in this work. Our women and children help us to fulfill the orders given by brokers. But this time, we have no orders for the topi.”
Suleiman, another maker, said he did not know what to do with the caps made in anticipation of the demand picking up due to the unlock. “The situation has again started deteriorating. There are heaps of caps in my house. All hopes have dashed. Many of us have run out of savings and are facing huge losses. Earlier, my family earned Rs 10 lakh from this work.”
He has now pinned his hopes on the upcoming panchayat elections to make up for some of his losses.