Holi merchandise sales rise in UP during poll season: Survey

The poll season has brought about a rise in sales of Holi colours and cannons in and around Uttar Pradesh, a survey said on Friday.

"Most of the shopkeepers said that there has been a rise of up to 40 per cent in the sales as many supporters of political parties are buying pichkaris, colours and merchandise plastered with the images of political parties' symbols. The demand for such things is growing by the day," the survey conducted by the Assocham Social Development Foundation said.

The survey was conducted by the social development arm of the industry lobby to ascertain the impact of elections in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab and other states on the sales of Holi merchandise.

"Though the Holi festival has been used by political parties across most parts of India to connect with the masses and bond with voters, the election season has certainly made it lucrative for colour manufacturers in and around Uttar Pradesh where this festival is celebrated the most," said D.S. Rawat, National Secretary General of Assocham.

--IANS

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