Durg, Chhattisgarh: As the mercury dips, the winter clothing market in Durg is witnessing a surge in activity, especially at the Tibetan Market in Bhilai's Sector 1. With temperatures dropping in Chhattisgarh, the region is finally feeling the chill, prompting residents to head out for warm clothes. The temperature in Durg dropped to 12°C on Tuesday night, with a low of 10.8°C recorded around 2:30 AM. In response to the rising cold, the popular Tibetan Market, known for selling affordable winter wear, has come alive once again.

A 40-Year-Old Tradition

The Tibetan Market in Bhilai has been a winter shopping hub for the past 40 years. Tibetan refugees, along with traders from other regions, set up shop here from October to January each year, offering a wide variety of winter clothing. This four-month-long market has become a staple for residents looking for quality winter wear at affordable prices. Currently, there are around 100 stalls in the Sector 1 market, selling everything from sweaters and jackets to scarves, gloves, and coats.

Tibetan refugees have been coming to Bhilai for trade since the early 1980s. They bring with them a mix of warm clothing sourced from Tibet, Nepal, and other parts of India. Traders from regions like Karnataka, Rajasthan, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, and the northeastern states also set up stalls to cater to the local demand for winter clothing.

Affordable Winter Wear for All

The Tibetan Market offers a range of winter wear at pocket-friendly prices. Items start at just ₹400, with higher-end products like coats and jackets priced up to ₹2,000. This market is especially popular for its variety, catering to everyone from children to senior citizens. With the cold weather now settling in, residents of Durg and Bhilai are flocking to the market to stock up on winter essentials. “We come here every year to sell winter clothes. We bring the latest styles and ensure we offer competitive prices. Last year, there wasn’t much cold, so sales were low, but we’re hopeful that this year, with the drop in temperature, we’ll make up for the losses,” said Vishnu, a Tibetan market vendor.

In addition to the classic jackets and sweaters, shoppers can find stylish sweatshirts, track suits for men, and shawls, cardigans, and fancy sweaters for women. The Tibetan Market has become a one-stop shopping destination for those preparing for the winter season.

A Hub for Winter Shopping

As temperatures continue to fall, the Tibetan Market in Bhilai’s Sector 1 has become increasingly crowded. “It’s getting colder these days, and that’s why I’ve come here to buy warm clothes. The variety of designs here is impressive, and I’m satisfied with what I found,” said Varun Upadhyay, a local customer.

The market also has a strong presence in other parts of Durg, including Rajendra Prasad Chowk and Sector 6, where traders from Tibet and Ludhiana have set up shop. Despite last year’s mild winter, which led to significant losses for the traders, this year they are optimistic about good sales as the cold weather is expected to last longer.

Looking Forward to a Better Season

With the cold weather now firmly in place, traders in Durg and Bhilai are hopeful that this year will make up for the losses they suffered last winter. The increase in foot traffic at the Tibetan Market suggests that vendors will not be disappointed, and shoppers can expect to find warm, quality clothing at affordable prices.

As the winter season unfolds, the Tibetan Market continues to be an integral part of the community's winter preparations, offering a blend of tradition, culture, and practicality for residents of Durg and Bhilai.