It is safe to say that 95% of Indian economy rests on the marriage events. An Indian wedding is no less than a festival and is celebrated with much love and extravagance. From a small tailor to a big seamstress, from an auto rickshaw driver to a bus driver, every person gets an employment during the marriage season of India.
However, the big beneficiaries of this season is the utensil industry. The sellers, dealers and producers, all get benefitted.
There is a great demand for utensils due to the growing wedding business. Utensils are employed in the wedding industry for a multitude of uses. They add to the overall ambiance of the event and are used to decorate the tables and set the mood. Food and beverages are also served in utensils. The possibilities are endless when it comes to cutlery. There are many different types of utensils that have several uses. Among kitchenware, stainless steel is the most widely used material. The reason stainless steel cutlery are so popular is that they are strong and have a beautiful sheen. But still, selecting the appropriate cutlery is one of the most crucial considerations in wedding planning. It can be difficult to know where to begin with the abundance of alternatives available.
HOW DO DIFFERENT MATERIALS OF UTENSILS MAKE UP FOR DIFFERENT RITUALS?
Shopkeepers go to the most specific places to buy utensils of a specific material. For example, for brass items one can find the best and purest utensils in the ‘peetal nagri’ or Moradabad. Moradabad is renowned for brass work and has carved a niche for itself in the handicraft industry throughout the world. The brassware is exported to countries like USA, Britain, Canada, Middle East and Asia. The peetal lamps or diyas are a staple in pujas.
Another important items are that of copper which is commonly found in Khetri region of Rajasthan. The copper lota or thaali are a common interest of the buyers during the wedding season majorly due to it’s auspiciousness. The brass and copper items are costly and further enhances the economical value of the utensil industry.
WHY DO FAMILY MEMBERS BUY UTENSILS FOR THE BRIDE?
It is a common saying that a house without a kitchen is not a home. Every item is important, even a small spoon. The family of bride gifts utensils to the bride so that she doesn’t face any sort of shortcomings in a new household. Utensils are given to fulfil the needs of the bride and are a part of her trousseau.
A variety of utensils are bought by the bride’s family. For example, a dinner set is a must in utensil shopping because it contains all the tableware from plates to water jugs. It brings the family together while eating food and creates a memorable atmosphere. Another important utensil is the kadhai. The kadhai, a culturally significant and adaptable kitchen tool, is essential in Indian cuisine for sautéing, deep frying, and preparing curries and vegetables. The third important utensil is a ‘taash’ which is a huge steel drum with a high capacity. It is usually used for storage purposes. These come in various designs like the Meenakumari drum which is covered in colourful floral patterns.
UTENSILS CAN INFLUENCE THE AESTHETIC OF A WEDDING.
In present times, people are more inclined towards an aesthetically pleasing setting may it be a ritual or a wedding. For utensils they may choose silverware or glass ware. Elegant tableware and silverware can elevate the ambiance of the wedding and leave a lasting impression on guests. Another way to add personality to a wedding is with utensils. Couples can choose cutlery with unique designs that represent their hobbies or personalities, or they can have their names and wedding date engraved on them. A huge wedding also requires a huge buffet which is incomplete without utensils. The melamine and china crockery are a very common choice for this type of arrangement.
WHY IS GIFTING UTENSILS THE BEST CHOICE ONE CAN MAKE?
The gifting culture has evolved over time. But utensils never go out of style. It is a very thoughtful and practical gift. It is customary in Hindu marriages for the bride’s family to welcome the husband into the family with presents as a token of their friendliness.“Shagun” is the term for these presents, which can be furniture, cookware, clothes, or other household goods.
Cookware is a useful and practical present that the receiver may use on a daily basis. These necessary kitchenware, such as a set of superior pots and pans, a multipurpose skillet, or a specialty cooking equipment, will be appreciated by the receiver. Cookware enables people to enjoy the art of cooking, create delectable meals, and test their culinary prowess. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, adding usefulness and functionality to the kitchen of the lucky recipient.
Cookware, in contrast to many conventional gifts, is made to last. Wedding gifts tend to be more elaborate, often including items like furniture or appliances. These items are meant to help the couple start their new life together. Cookware of the highest calibre is made to last because to its sturdy construction and fine craftsmanship.
Giving cookware as a gift makes for a durable and appreciated present that will be enjoyed for many years to come. Every time the receiver cooks, it serves as a priceless memento of your kind gift and endures over time.
UTENSIL DEALERS LOVE WEDDING SEASON
An instance from Indore also solidifies the rising sales of utensils and how it covered the damages caused by the Covid 19 lockdown. A Times of India report says, “The wedding season has come as a breath of fresh air for the sales in bartan bazaar of Indore lifting sales up by 15 per cent after two years of dampened sales due to pandemic.” According to dealers, the retail industry is seeing an increase in demand for steel, copper, and brass kitchenware, which is driving up sales during the busiest wedding season. For traders at the Bartan Bazaar, April through June is the busiest time of year. According to one report, it is noticed that the durable goods market worth somewhere around ₹ 30,000 Crore.
However, the utensil business goes beyond the actual big day. In addition, utensils are required for every associated function held prior to a wedding, such as bridal showers and engagement parties. Therefore, now is the best time to be in the utensil-making or utensil-selling business in India.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/indore/lockdown-hurt-utensil-sales-but-biz-shines-in-wedding-glitz/articleshow/90945665.cms
- https://macclite.com/blogs/health-life-macclite/5-reasons-to-give-cookware-as-a-gift
- https://dudusonline.com/blogs/culture-and-tradition/gift-giving-in-india-a-cultural-exploration#:~:text=History%20Of%20Gift%2DGiving%20In%20India,-The%20practice%20of&text=It%20dates%20back%20centuries%2C%20and,and%20affection%20for%20the%20recipient.
IMAGE SOURCES
- December 4, 2023
- 7 Min Read
- December 4, 2023
- 8 Min Read
- December 4, 2023
- 7 Min Read
- December 4, 2023
- 11 Min Read
- December 4, 2023
- 10 Min Read
- December 3, 2023
- 5 Min Read
