LAHORE: Sale of earthenware, especially plates (thothis) and bowls (piyalas), increases in Muharram, especially during Ashura.

The faithful distribute food items in earthen plates and bowls among mourners and participants in Zuljinah processions and majalis after the fulfillment of a mannat (wish).

Traditionally, indigenous forms of custard -- kheer and firni -- are presented in earthen plates while milk, sharbat and water are offered in bowls.

Disposable utensils are also being used in posh localities like Model Town, Faisal Town, Garden Town and Defence, but it has not affected the use of earthen pots for serving food products.

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 increase in their demand has not led to an increase in their prices that were found to be varying in different localities of the city before Muharram.

The price of a 100-thothi pack was Rs100 while a dozen of piyalas were available for Rs45 (small), Rs60 (medium) and Rs80 (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, RA Bazaar in Cantonment and Faisal Town’s market at Kotha Pind were selling a 100-thothi pack between Rs90 and Rs100 while a dozen piyalas were available for Rs50 (small), Rs65 to Rs70 (medium) and Rs85 (large).

Most of the earthen pots available in Lahore shops are made in villages of Kasur, Chunian, Sheikhupura and Gujranwala.

Published in Dawn, October 20th, 2015

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