Mysore/Mysuru: Hundreds of pandals and shamiana providers in city are staring at heavy losses following pandemic and lockdown period.

Most of these traders provide shamiana, which is an Indian ceremonial tent or shelter for rent to their customers. They also provide cooking vessels, utensils, stove and all other necessary materials to carry out any functions and gatherings including weddings. The unexpected turn of events resulting from this pandemic and lockdown period has left the pandal owners struggling to run their businesses. 

In addition, increasing number of infected cases in the region has created a sense of fear and as a result, the usual festivities have been cancelled, postponed or conducted in a very simple manner.

Lakshminarayana, owner of MVSB Tenthouse located on New Kantaraja Urs Road in Jayanagar, said: “We are totally dependent on this trade, but this pandemic has devastated our business. There is no income from the last three months. We are struggling to pay wages for our employees. There is no hope that our business would pick up in the near future. Even the State Government has banned all festivals and fairs in the region including large scale public gatherings such as marriages.”

“Before lockdown, we used to earn at least Rs 40,000 a month. After deducting cost of wages, rent and other expenses, we used to get Rs. 15,000 as income. Lockdown was imposed in the month of March and there was zero business for three months. After relaxation of lockdown, we thought our business would improve, but administration banned public gatherings such as marriages. Hence, we are now getting only customers for very small functions. In the month of June, in total, I could only earn Rs. 10,000. I have to pay Rs. 6,000 as rent for my shop and Rs. 5,000 for my house. Since July 1, as of now, I have earned just Rs. 2,000,” he said.

“If the same situation continues for the next one or two months, it would be very difficult for us to run our families. Now a days, there is no demand for either pandals or utensils,” he said.