Even though the winter chill hasn’t fully set in yet, the arrival of Bhutanese traders has already added a wintry feel to Agartala. 

True to tradition, the seasonal snow wear market at Battala came alive this year from the very first of November.

For over 40 years, Bhutanese families have been coming to Agartala to sell winter clothing. In the early days, they set up shops across from Durgabari, but over time, Battala has become their permanent hub. Each year, around 8 to 10 families visit the city for this seasonal trade.

Their stalls feature a wide range of Himalayan woolens, including sweaters, jackets, and shawls. In addition to handcrafted items, the traders also bring modern winter wear designs directly from Bhutan.

Though the true winter cold has yet to arrive, shoppers are already flocking to the market. The demand for Bhutanese winter clothing in Agartala has always been strong, and every winter, these families return to the city like migratory birds, bringing with them the warmth and charm of their homeland.