Thaindian News

New Delhi, March 5 (IANS) Delhi markets have been flooded this Holi with Chinese ‘pichkaris’ (water guns), balloons, colours and other water toys, some of which lack quality, the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) said Monday.

According to an Assocham analysis, almost 85 percent of the Holi products available in the capital were from China.

Releasing the analysis, Assocham secretary general D.S. Rawat said: “Most of these goods lack in quality but are popular amid youngsters and are dominating the market due to their attractive, innovative designs and colours.”

‘Pichkaris’ or water guns are a popular tool for spraying coloured water on Holi revellers. Chinese revolving water guns, bazookas, spray cans and gun splashes have a huge demand, with just three days to go for Holi March 8.

Assocham representatives interacted with nearly 50 shopkeepers in wholesale markets of Sadar Bazar and Khari Baoli and retail markets of Karol Bagh, Shahdara, Rohini and Lajpat Nagar to arrive at their conclusions.

Most of the shop owners claimed that the Chinese water guns and toys were selling like hot cakes. The sales of traditional Holi accessories like steel and brass ‘pichkaris’ had gone south.

“Chinese water guns are giving a tough fight to the domestic water toys, as they are more attractive and innovative as compared to the Indian toy guns,” Ramesh Sharma, a toy seller in Lajpat Nagar market, told IANS.

The Holi colours and accessories industry is growing at a compounded rate of 20 percent every year, out of which the accessories industry is expected to reach Rs.7,500 crore this year, said Assocham.