Agartala, October 16 (TIWN): Like every year Bhutias arrived in the State for selling winter clothes. Along a stretch of Orient Chowhumani, a large number of them set up shops.

Ahead of winter, Bhutia men and women arrive in Tripura for selling woolen garments to make the people of this hilly state feels comfortable at winter. Selling a wide variety of woollens at very reasonable prices, they are a hit with middle class customers and youngsters by selling sweaters, mufflers, gloves, socks, caps etc.

"We have been putting up stalls for many years. I have been coming here for the 7-8 years. We probably had some 70-75 stalls then and now it has increased to around 100,"-says a Bhutia women. On an average day, they sell garments worth around Rs.1000 to 3000 but on holidays the figure goes up to Rs. 5000.

The Bhutias are Tibetan traders who descend from the hilly regions of north and northeast India to sell colorful woollens. City folks await their arrival eagerly.

Every year before the onset of winter, Bhutias set shop in the city. But one of the sellers complains that their selling do not match the expectation as competition from newly emerging shopping malls has lowered their sales.