Not a 'Ramzan Mubarak' for bangle makers

Hyderabad: Amidst the lockdown and unlike every year, Ramzan this year has dented thousands of hopes and lives of various bangle makers those settled in various parts of old city.

The unexpected combination of coronavirus and Ramzan has clearly turned their lives upside down as they face zero sales during the holy month of Ramzan.

It was during this month that the bangle makers used to get good earnings. The orders used to be placed by the businessmen as there is always a heavy shopping in the markets in the run-up to Eid and the wedding season that follows after Eid.

However, the situation is stark contrast this year, as most of the workers had to sit idle in their houses due to the lockdown.

"During Ramzan, our income used to get double. Every year during Ramzan we used to get to work for more hours with more orders. But this year we did not receive any order or sales as the shops and workshops are closed for more than 40 days," said Umar Noor, a bangle maker who has a shop in Laad Bazar Old city.

There are six members in Umar's family including him. "We have necessary essentials which will last for a few weeks but soon we will run out of ration and then might have to look for arrangements," adds Umar.

The sales during Ramzan use to be anywhere around Rs 10,000 a day which is close to zero now.

Mohd Imran another bangle maker shares, "During Ramzan, when we say 'Ramzan Mubarak ', it used to always be happy moment and meeting our friends and relatives. But now in this lockdown, it is just me and my family including my three children. With no business, I cannot provide them with proper Sherri. We are relying on our savings so far and have to adjust the insufficient amount until the lockdown is lifted and we start our business again. It will take us a year to stable our sales and manage our losses."