Kolkata: White slogan T-shirts emerged as the biggest draw ahead of Holi. Designs printed with film-inspired themes such as ‘Pushpa', along with ‘Happy Holi' and ‘Dhol' slogans, are witnessing brisk sales.
"Demand for printed white T-shirts is much higher this year. Youngsters want something stylish and new instead of wearing old clothes," said Raju Shaw, a vendor in Janbazar. College student Aniket Das, who was shopping with friends, said coordinated outfits became part of the celebration. "We decided that all of us will wear the same printed T-shirts. It looks better in pictures and feels more festive," he said.
In the water-gun segment, battery-operated pichkaris gained prominence this season. The electric water gun, priced at around Rs 1,500, is among the top-selling items. Traders said the device requires approximately 30 minutes of charging and can spray coloured water up to 30 feet. High-range variants, marketed as ‘Missile Launcher' guns, claimed to reach nearly 40 feet.
Priyanka Sen, who was purchasing colours and a pichkari for her nephew, said safety remains a priority. "We are choosing herbal colours this time. Earlier, my nephew got skin irritation, so we are being cautious now," she said.
Smoke gulal canisters, priced at around Rs 300, release coloured smoke for a few minutes and are in demand among youth groups hosting parties. Another product, ‘Thunder Gulal', resembles a fire extinguisher and offers continuous colour spray, including triple-colour variants.