In the southern region of Cumilla, specially across the greater Laksam markets, Dhumkors (quilt and mattress makers) are so busy with their work at the onset of winter that there’s hardly any time to sleep. As night falls, fog and chilly winds signal the arrival of winter. There’s a proverb that says—Madhumas Kartik–Agrahayan and Poush–Magh are the true winter months. The end of Kartik and the beginning of Agrahayan bring the real feeling of cold. Late at night, the whole area remains covered with fog. Though the cold is still mild, this period can be risky for the elderly and children.
In this region, shops preparing winter items are bustling with activity. In local markets, the Dhumkors are busy collecting cotton, wool, jute, and coconut fiber, and their cleaning and beating sounds create a festive atmosphere. With the arrival of winter, the Dhumkors’ day-and-night workload keeps increasing. The markets across greater Laksam upazila, famous for winter garments like quilts and mattresses, are now crowded with buyers.
Specially in Monoharganj Bazar, Daulatganj Railgate, North Laksam, and Laksam Railway Junction Bazar, traders have decorated their shops with winter quilts, mattresses, rugs, pillows, and other items.
Local residents and Dhumkors of Laksam Daulatganj Bazar said that this is the busiest time of the year for them. From the wholesale winter garment shops in Daulatganj, about a hundred retail traders from two upazilas collect goods. In one quilt-and-mattress workshop, several craftsmen—mostly relatives—work day and night. Their homes are in North Laksam. They have been making quilts and mattresses in this area for 8–9 years, working on a contract basis. From 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., they can produce 4–5 quilts or mattresses daily. For each piece, they earn 400–600 taka from the owner. The price of quilts and mattresses depends on the design and pattern of the cotton and stitching work.
Kalam Boarding owner Md. Abul Kalam, a winter clothing trader in the same market, said, “People here no longer want to make quilts and mattresses like before because the market is now full of readymade products, including imports from various countries.
Local Dhumkor day labourers, Bablu Mia and Sujan Mia, said that most customers now prefer to order readymade quilts rather than handmade ones. Currently, two types of cotton are in high demand. White “super cotton” sells for 400–500 taka per kilogram, while black-colored cotton sells for 150–200 taka per kilogram, and “wheel” cotton sells for 200–250 taka per kilogram.
The demand for low-priced quilts is slightly higher among low-income people. For this reason, in various markets of Laksam upazila, the shops making quilts and mattresses are crowded with buyers and sellers alike.
