The pandemic disrupted businesses across the country. But it’s a different story for the Dung and Jaling makers of Shinangri Chiwog in Pema Gatshel. They are doing a brisk business by selling these religious items. The people in the chiwog have been making Dung and Jaling for more than two decades.
Ugyen Penjor, 60, has been in the Dung and Jaling business for many years. Despite charging high prices for the items, he has been receiving orders every month.
“There is no problem in marketing and selling our products. Like in the past, if we can travel to Samdrup Jongkhar to buy the materials, the price may go down. But we might not get the amount like now,” said Ugyen.
And similar is the story of Khotsha Daza, one of the other artisans. He has been making a good income as well.
“We get orders as the materials are available. It would have been a different story if we didn’t get the materials. It’s just that the price for the materials has increased. And as we are dependent on this craft to make our living, we must continue,” said Khotsa Daza.
With borders closed amid the pandemic, the artisans said they have been paying a hefty price for the copper sheets, the main material for making the items. And this has forced them to charge a higher price.
“The price has increased drastically. In the past, we used to pay about Nu 2000 per sheet. And a sheet used to be four to five kilograms. And now, the price is very high from the source. We have to charge our customers a higher price,” said Ugyen.
“When we were able to travel Assam, the price of copper was very reasonable. We used to buy at no more than Nu 550. But after the pandemic, the price of copper has increased to Nu 1250. So, we have no other choice than to increase the price for the items,” said Khotsha.
A pair of Dung costs between 14,000 to 25,000 Ngultrum today. And a pair of Jaling costs 9000 Ngultrum.
More than 20 households in the chiwog are in the Dung and Jaling business. They earn about Nu 200,000 to 300,000 annually.
Thinley Dorji, Pema Gatshel
Edited by Sonam Pem
