Jaipur, Dec. 24 : As mercury dips further in several parts of north India, the demand for the popular Rajashthani quilts is on the increase. Many shops in Jaipur are reaping good business by selling quilts in various prints and sizes these days.

The USP (Unique Selling Proposition) of these quilts is that they are soft, warm and come in plethora of interesting designs. And, there are many tourists from far and wide who are drawn to the city for Jaipuri quilts.

"One can just wrap it around oneself and have a carefree sleep. I have been buying these quilts for last 10-15 years. The difference between the ordinary quilts and Jaipuri quilts is that the latter is warmer due to its good quality, " said Narayan Lal, a shopkeeper.

There are three varieties of Jaipuri quilts available in the market namely--cotton, velvet and silk available in a price range between rupees 100 and 1,000.

"I opened this shop two years ago. The special features of these quilts are they are warm and light. We make quilts out of 100 grams cotton which are intricately stitched, " said Mohmmad Yunus, another shopkeeper.

In spite of the regular markets like Europe and America new markets like South Africa and Japan are also emerging potential markets for the exports of Jaipuri quilt.

Some traders state that this buoyancy in quilt business is due to the increasing number of foreign visitors to Jaipur.

"This quilt has a great demand in the foreign countries because they are soft and warm; besides foreign countries they have a great market in India too. As far as overseas market is concerned they have good demand in America and Germany, " said Abdul Hakim, a quilt exporter.

Every winter, the market of Jaipuri quilt expands so much that around 10,000 individuals get directly involved in this trade while another 5,000 receive indirect employment.

Each year around 100 core rupees Jaipuri quilt is exported to various parts of the globe and every year it is registering the growth of around 20 percent.

Around 250 years ago, Sawai Jai Singh, the then ruler of Jaipur, habilitated these quilt makers here. Since then Jaipuri quilts are being sold here.

The months of November and December are a peak season for Jaipuri quilts, as during this time lakhs of domestic and international tourists visit Jaipur.

A 100 gram Jaipuri quilt is compatible with any five kilogram ordinary cotton Quilt in terms of warmth.

In Jaipur alone, there are around 200 Jaipuri quilt shops out of which 50 are exclusively selling this product. (ANI)