The makers of cheap varieties of vases, windows and ‘Tulasi kotalu’ reach out to people by setting up their workshop-cum-vending points in the available space on roadsides in the city.
They use cement, sand and iron wire to make the all-weather, sturdy and durable items. The ‘dishti bommalu’ made by these vendors are a must, hanging in front of houses of families that believe in the need for negating the impact of the evil eye. The ‘Tulasi kotalu’ are among the most popular of their items that people buy in large numbers. Most families prefer to keep the ‘Tulasi kota’ regardless of their sizes in the backyard or balcony of their modern houses or flats.
Some families prefer very big ‘Tulasi kotalu’ where they offer prayers regularly. These are available in nearly five sizes with prices ranging from Rs. 150 per piece to Rs. 700.
Sultan Basha, owner of the outlet near Kondayapalem Gate centre on Trunk Road, said that they were not doing brisk business like before as the people were more and more inclined towards purchase of quality products. Windows and grills made of cement and sand were not selling as in the past and the demand was steadily declining. This has affected their business as these items were used in the past in low-cost housing projects.
Sultan said that as a result of the recent trends, they had to depend more on the sale of ornamental and spiritual items like ‘Tulasi kotalu’, ‘wheels of dharma’, images of Shirdi Sai Baba, gods and goddesses and so on.
During the business season, they are able to make a little income but during the lean period , their problems are multiplying with each passing year.
Sometimes, lack of sufficient revenue was forcing them to get loans at high interest rates, further reducing their earnings.
