Rajshahi, July 16 (V7N) — With the arrival of the monsoon season in Ashar and Srabon, umbrella sales and repair services have seen a sharp rise across various markets in Durgapur upazila of Rajshahi. This annual trend continues, with a significant increase in both vendors and informal repair workers responding to seasonal demand.
 
A field visit to Durgapur Sadar revealed that umbrella shops began receiving customers early in the season. Buyers from remote rural areas are coming to the upazila’s local markets to purchase umbrellas in response to the frequent light rain showers. Heavy crowds have been observed at umbrella stalls in all seven unions and the municipal area, including popular marketplaces like Singa, Kanpara, Amgachi, Belghoria, and Alipur.
 
In addition to strong sales, umbrella repair services have grown in popularity. Many unemployed individuals from low-income backgrounds — including youth, the elderly, and others with no formal occupation — have taken up seasonal umbrella repair work as a means of livelihood.
 
Aslam, a vendor in the Durgapur municipal market, explained that while this year hasn’t seen continuous rain, the frequency of light drizzle has been high, increasing demand. Sales have been steady, he reported. Another seller, Abdus Samad, noted that although umbrella prices are relatively high, sales are strong — particularly among students.
 
Mizanur Rahman, an umbrella dealer at Alipur Bazar, shared that school and college students are showing a preference for colorful and stylish umbrellas. Prices this year vary based on quality, ranging from Tk 250 to 700. Popular brands like Shankar, Rahman, and Moon are performing well, with his shop offering premium models up to Tk 1,200.
 
Sharifur Islam from Singa village, who came to purchase a folding umbrella, commented on the rising prices. He bought a Moon-brand umbrella for Tk 750. Yousuf Ali from Boherampur village added that older umbrellas, particularly those with wooden handles, used to last over a decade, whereas modern versions often become unusable within a year. He criticized the current umbrellas for their thin fabric and fragile frames.
 
Syed Ali, a repair worker at Durgapur’s Mosque Market, said umbrella repairs have been brisk since the start of Ashar. Though demand is low in other seasons, the monsoon provides a consistent stream of work. Repair costs range from Tk 50 to150 depending on the damage and type of umbrella.
 
Technician Mofiz Uddin, who travels between various markets in the upazila, said he now earns between Tk 700 and 1,000 daily through umbrella repairs. For many seasonal workers like him, the monsoon is an opportunity to earn a sustainable income, even if temporarily.
 
This seasonal umbrella economy, both in retail and repair, reflects how local communities adapt quickly to monsoon needs — turning even light drizzle into livelihood opportunities.
 
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