Muzaffarpur, March 2 In Muzaffarpur, Bihar, preparations for Holi are in full swing, but this year, the festive atmosphere comes with an unusual twist.
At the city's famous Chhata Bazaar – known as the wholesale hub for colors and pichkaris – one particular item has seen exceptional demand: masks featuring the face of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Shopkeepers at the Rang-Pichkari wholesale market say the "Modi mask" is now sold out.
For the past ten days, the mask has not been available, lending credence to the "massive demand" for it.
According to local trader Sadhu Bhai, the demand was so high that supplies quickly ran out.
"We tried to reorder from Delhi," he said, "but traders there informed us that stocks were insufficient and they could not supply more."
Amit Kumar, another shopkeeper in the market, echoed similar concerns.
He noted that customers had specifically been asking for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mask as part of their Holi celebrations, but wholesalers are currently unable to meet the demand.
Mantu, a third trader, confirmed that despite efforts to restock, the masks remain unavailable.
While the mask, which has run out of stock due to high demand, has become a talking point, the market is otherwise vibrant and thriving.
Traders note a clear shift in consumer preferences this year.
Traditional hand-pump pichkaris are gradually being replaced by modern designs.
The pichkaris, which look like tanks, can store more colored water and are also popular.
There are also rechargeable electric water guns, which are attracting buyers.
These battery-operated "gun pichkaris" have especially caught the attention of children and young buyers, reflecting a blend of festivity and technology.
Shopkeepers say this trend mirrors a changing India, where even festival accessories are becoming more advanced.
"Now pichkaris are also modern," one trader remarked, pointing to stacks of brightly colored, high-tech water guns lining his shop.
As Holi approaches, Muzaffarpur's markets continue to overflow with colors, excitement, and innovation.