Residents of Monggar flocked to the town’s public ground yesterday as a five-day trade fair opened, offering a wide range of household goods, garments, and Indian products. Over 40 Indian merchants are taking part, giving locals access to products not usually available in the district.
From household items, furniture, blankets and garments to Indian cuisines and herbal products, everything is put on display for customers.
Over 40 Indian merchants from neighbouring Indian town in India, mostly from Jaigaon, are taking part. Many of them also participated in a similar fair in Bumthang about a month ago. Encouraged by strong response there, they are expecting the same level of interest in Monggar.
Sonu Gupta, a merchant said, “Our experience at Bumthang was overwhelming, we are hoping for similar response. We have no doubt because trade fairs such as this had always been successful. It is a bit cold here but it is exciting. We trade our goods at the rates that we provide our customers in Jaigaon.”
Mohmad Roshan, another merchant said, “I came to Bumthang last month and the business was good. After all the expanses considered, we were able to keep more than Rs 50,000 profit. Customers are very corporative. They do not bargain much, but buys good quality goods. Monggar is a nice place, it has nice views and we are hopeful that this fair will be a successful one. I am saying this because I have experience from past trade fairs in Thimphu, Paro and Wangdue as well.”
Likewise, Sadam Hussain said, “So far we have not experienced any loses by participating in such trade fair in Bhutan. We did well where ever it was, such as Paro, Thimphu and Gelephu. We took part in almost all the fairs. This year alone we took part in three to four fairs in Bhutan.”
Locals did not wait for the last day of the fair, out of habit to get the best bargains; people began shopping as soon as the stalls were being setup. This is the first time that the residents of Monggar are experiencing a fair of this scale.
Domang Tshering, a resident said, “For a set of pot, which has more than 12 different pieces in it costs only Nu 3000 here, where as from our town, it cost us almost Nu 1000 for a single pot. So there are huge cost differences. So it would benefit remote people if such fairs were organised in remote areas on occasions such as festivals. It will be convenient for all if the traders bring goods that are not available in our local market.”
Tshering Yangzom, another resident said, “We are not able to go anywhere for shopping, such event brings lots of goods and household items at our doorstep. It is really beneficial.”
Likewise, Jigme Choden said, “Price for goods is reasonable and there are varieties and options to select from. We are able to buy goods that are not available in our local market.”
Besides bringing excitement and opportunities to the town, the fair, organised by a private firm, also boosted local commerce and provided residents access to a variety of goods and services under one roof.
Namgay Wangchuk, Monggar
Edited by Kipchu
