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The hues of rain

DEEPA H RAMAKRISHNAN hits the streets of Puducherry and checks out what works during the rains

IT'S VARIETY GALORE Part of the display at one of the shops in Puducherry

The best time of the year to be in Puducherry is during the monsoon. It's cold, it's grey and it rains in sheets. The buildings in the French part of the town match the colour of the sky, the sea and the rain. But then, the monsoon is also the most colourful time here. For, umbrellas of all hues are unfolded, beautiful raincoats are pulled out of cupboards and trees and plants have a fresh rain-washed look.

Umbrellas and raincoats are the hottest topics of the day and people are comparing notes to buy the best that is available in the market. Gone are the days when people used only the black-cloth umbrellas to protect them. Colour, material, variety and cost are the factors considered by smart shoppers today before they make their choice.

Shops like K.K.M. Agencies on Aurobindo Street are so busy that they open early (8 a.m.) and close late without even breaking for lunch. The shop stocks more than 70 varieties of raincoats and 100-150 varieties of umbrellas. The shop was the first to start an umbrella manufacturing business in Puducherry and has been in existence since 1951.

"This is the peak time and most customers step in to buy caps, raincoats or umbrellas. The rush starts with the first showers of the monsoon. Many are going in for the foldable umbrella and those with a silver coating on the inside. Since umbrellas can be used in summer as well, these coated umbrellas are popular as they are heat-resistant," says Gnanasambandam of K.K.M. Agencies or the koda kadai as it is known.

"Children are crazy about the toy umbrellas that come quite cheap (Rs. 50 onwards). They are available in fluorescent colours and varied models. Many children go in for umbrellas rather than for raincoats. Those with ears like Mickey Mouse attract them the most," adds Gnanasambandam.

Janaki Murugan, a homemaker who came to shop with her husband, bought two umbrellas — a foldable model for herself and a big umbrella for the family. "I looked for umbrellas with a silver coating on the inside since someone said that was the best. And I wanted the foldable ones, as they are easier to carry."

Says Coumar who was seen shopping for raincoats: "A lot of people go in for bright French colours such as blue and red but I wanted a sober shade. I also looked for a durable material. I think a raincoat should last at least for five years."

However, sometimes when the downpour is heavy, a raincoat or an umbrella does not provide enough protection. If you get drenched on your way back home, the best thing to do is to dry yourself immediately, change into warm clothes and drink some hot beverage. "Hot tea or coffee is the best thing to have. Not all who get wet will develop cold or fever, only those who are prone to it will. It's better to consult a doctor before taking any medicine," says Dr. R. Rajarathinam, a general practitioner.

PHOTO: T. SINGARAVELOU

PRETTY FLORALS College students taking shelter under an umbrella

Now with the rains, the fear of Chikungunya and malaria has increased. People are into buying more mosquito repellents and creams. "Our customers prefer liquid repellents to coils and we have four leading brands of liquid repellent," says Bhaskar of Nilgiris Department Store on Rangapillai Street.

For those who are environment and health conscious, Cottage Industries on Rangapillai Street has a perfumed herbal mosquito repellent called MR 18, which has the fragrance of Parijatam. It can be used like an agarbathi stick.

Coming to footwear, people switch to plastic and Hawaii chappals and sandals during the rainy season. "They are fast-moving. People buy footwear specifically for this season. Leather slippers become soggy and hence are not suitable," says a salesman at the Bata showroom on Nehru Street.

No matter the power cuts, water-logged, pot holed roads, damp clothes, mosquito bites, it's time to enjoy the rains. Remember, they are here only for some time.

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