LAHORE, Jan 7: Inflation and strict security measures have influenced the traditional ways of fulfilling mannat (wish) as sale of earthenware, especially plates (thothis) and bowls (piyalas), had been abysmally low during this Muharram compared to the previous years.

However, the demand for disposable pottery like glasses and dishes remained more or less the same.

The faithful usually distribute halva poori, kheer and firni (indigenous forms of custard) in earthen plates and milk, sharbat and water in bowls among participants in Majalis-i-Aza and Zuljinnah processions after the fulfilment of a mannat (wish).

For the last couple of years, disposable glasses and plates have also drawn attention of the faithful, especially after strict security arrangements under which earthenware are not allowed in Muharram-related gatherings.

A number of residents of Islampura, Jafria Colony, Thokar Niaz Beg, parts of Allama Iqbal Town, Faisal Town, Shadman and the areas inside the Walled City said they neither had resources nor were allowed by the law-enforcement agencies personnel to carry earthenware to places where a Majlis was being held or a Zuljinah procession was to pass.

“People like me had found an alternative to earthenware in the form of disposable paper-pottery but now owing to unprecedented inflation its prices have spiralled out of common man’s reach,” Ali Abbas told this reporter at an Islampura store.

A potter running his business near Chungi Amer Sadhu says some of his regular customers did not turn up this Muharram. “The sale of earthenware, especially plates, bowls and kujji (cup) has been far less than the previous years though there has been no increase in the prices. People have no extra money after buying essential kitchen items and paying utility bills,” maintained Ashraf.

The size of earthen plates is standard while bowls are available in small, medium and large sizes, with the former selling in packs of 100s and the latter in dozens.

The decrease in the demand of earthenware has not led to a decrease in their prices that were found to be varying in different localities of the city before Muharram.

The price of a 100-plate pack was Rs90, while a dozen of bowl was available for Rs55 (small), Rs70 (medium) and Rs90 (large) at outlets along Ravi Road near Data Darbar, Mozang main bazaar, Nadeem Shaheed Road and Pukki Thati in Samanabad, last bus stop in Islampura, Multan Road at Samanabad Morr, Bhala Stop and Yateemkhana Chowk. The shops along Ferozepur Road near Shama, Chungi Amer Sidhu, R A Bazaar in Cantonment and Faisal Town's market at Kotha Pind were selling a 100-piece thothi pack between Rs95 and Rs100, while a dozen piyalas were available for Rs60 (small), Rs75 to Rs85 (medium) and Rs100 (large).

Disposable glasses are available in small, medium, large and extra large sizes and are made of paper, plastic and thermopore. Plates have three sizes and are usually made of paper. The faithful usually prefer small size paper plates and glasses.