Gurgaon’s annual Tibetan markets suffer in the wake of demonetisation

Demonetisation has affected the sales of the annual Tibetan Refugee Handlooms and Buddhist markets in Gurgaon. Although the government has given them Rs 4,500 in change and shopkeepers have slashed the prices but the footfall here has remained as good as naught.

We don’t accept Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes,” a sign board reads at the annual winter Tibetan Refugee Handlooms and Buddhist Market on Old Gurgaon railway road. Open till February 15, the market has witnessed the all time worst footfall due to demonetisation, according to the shopkeepers.

The annual Tibetan Refugee and Buddhist markets in Gurgaon are facing dwindling sales because of demonetisation. (Manoj Verma/HT Photo)

The deserted market and decline in sales is leaving the shopkeepers worried, as for many the earnings from here is their sole source of income. Tibetan refugee, Lhakpa Dorji from Dehradun, says, “Market is down. Change is not an issue as the government has given us Rs 4500. The problem is when people come with Rs 500- Rs 1000 rupee notes.”

With no takers at her stall, Sangeeta Sharma, echoes similar sentiments.“People are busy queueing up at the banks. A few came up with old currency notes, but we didn’t accept it as that will only create more problems for us. And when some came with new Rs 2000 notes, giving them change becomes a problem.”

Kalsang Dolma, from Dharamsala, sells anti-pollution mask, starting Rs 20.

The pollution mask, has became a selling point at the market with woollen masks, available at Rs 20 onwards. The market boasts of traditional caps, sweaters, jackets with Jana Kchari work and also shawls in nominal rates from Leh, Manali, Nepal and Tibet.

We do not accept currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1000, reads a signage at the Tibetan Refugee Handlooms market in Gurgaon

A salesman, Satpal Singh from Himachal Pradesh, says, “Ab currency pe aur mausam pe depend karta hai ki kitni sale hogi. Thand padegi toh sale hoga.”