Use cloth bags and stand a chance to win paithani saree

Mumbai: “Carry cloth bags and win a chance to grab a Paithani saree,” say B ward officials, who have started a novel initiative whereby those using cloth bags instead of plastic carry bags stand a chance to win a Paithani saree, a variety of saree named after the town of Paithan in Marathwada where it is hand-woven from the finest silk.

Civic officials said that the B ward office organises a weekly bazaar where farmers are allowed to sell their produce including vegetables and food grains at reasonable prices. Being held every Thursday at Dongri municipal school since the past five weeks, the bazaar is getting a good response from locals. B ward comprises areas such as Dongri, Umarkhadi and Mandavi.

Uday Shiroorkar, B ward assistant commissioner, said, “We observed that people always carried plastic bags while coming to the bazaar. To stop this, we decided that those who carry cloth bags will be gifted a Paithani. They will be given a token and a draw will be held to pick the lucky winner.”

Shiroorkar said that the scheme had already been started last week and that initially, it was meant only for those who bought wheat or onions. However, by popular demand, they were planning to start the scheme for all products. The Paithanis would be made available to farmers only, he added.

Kiran Shirsat, a farmer from Nashik, who participates in the weekly bazaar, said that the sarees were procured from Yeola which is known for the finest quality Paithanis.

“Ever since the scheme has started, we have observed that there is a sharp increase in the number of people carrying cloth bags,” he said.

Mr Shiroorkar said that they wanted to invite Marathi actor Adesh Bandekar, who is famous for the television show “Home Minister”, to gift the Paithani sarees to winners.