Rugs and mats roll out as concrete homes turn icy

Patna: As temperatures continue to dip, Patna’s roads have transformed into bustling winter markets, with makeshift stalls and roadside vendors selling a wide range of warm clothing and home décor items. From woollen blankets to mats, carpets and rugs, shoppers are finding everything they need to stay warm and cosy during the harsh winter months.Residents say the chill is not limited to the outdoors. Concrete houses, while cool during summer, become unbearably cold in winter, making it necessary to spread rugs and carpets across floors to retain warmth. Roadside stalls have sprung up across key stretches of Nehru Path, including Jagdeo Path, Raja Bazar, near Patna Zoo, Rajendra Nagar, close to Patna Junction and several other localities.“Marbles and tiles are installed in almost every home. During the summer season, houses remain cool, but they turn extremely cold in winter. For the comfort of family members, especially children who walk barefoot, warm carpets and mats are spread on the floors to provide warmth underfoot,” said Garima Choudhary, a resident of Khajpura.Vendors say winter is their peak season. Mukesh Kumar, who sells carpets near Patna Zoo, said demand rises sharply as temperatures fall. “No one comes to buy carpets during summer, but they sell like hotcakes in winter,” he said.According to him, rugs placed near beds start at Rs 500 and go up to Rs 1,500 depending on size and quality. “The price of a single-size carpet measuring four by six feet ranges between Rs 1,000 and Rs 2,000. Larger carpets are available from Rs 1,500 to Rs 5,000,” he added.Faux fur rugs and mats are also in high demand, particularly those placed outside bathrooms. “The fur mats feel very soft and warm under the feet during winter. They also prevent slipping because the underside is made of rubber, which provides better grip on the floor,” said Rajiv Gupta, a customer looking for mats at a stall in Raja Bazar.