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The other side of midnight
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`Pathira furniture' is a place where you can buy the furniture of your choice at an incredibly low price.
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Buying furniture can be a tall order for the middle-class consumer. If he decides to get it assembled at home, it would still burn his pocket, for, even a piece of high quality wood would cost him dear. Coupled with this is the exasperating task of finding a reliable carpenter. If you are looking for a solution, then `Pathira furniture', located near the Putharikandam grounds, might well be it.
Though `Pathira furniture' literally means `midnight furniture', the working hours are from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. When you have to shell out Rs. 3,000 towards buying a dining table from the regular market, you can get it for Rs. 500, here. Similarly, a stool would cost you Rs. 100, a teapoy Rs. 250, a table Rs. 600, and a shelf Rs. 350.
The prices are not fixed, and there is ample scope for a decent bargain.
Will these products last?
According to the dealers, `Pathira Furniture' can have a life of more than 10 years, provided you give them two or three coats of paint. And for instant use, these furniture would be the best bet.
What makes `Pathira furniture' different from others in terms of quality as well as cost?
"Mostly, sapwood, which is the junk portion of wood cut out from Jackfruit or Aanjili tree, is used. Wood for the purpose is bought from suburban areas such as Kattakkada and Nedumangadu. A reaper wood (2 x I x30 inch) can be had for Rs. 4 whereas the same volume of good quality wood would cost you Rs. 15," says Asokan, a carpenter. "Likewise, the price of a plank of wood is about 10 times lesser," he adds.
At `Pathira furniture', only iron nails are used for joining the parts. Moreover, a smooth finish is given only to the visible parts of the furniture.
Started about 50 years ago, this business engages more than 50 families. The main production centres are at Manacaud, Kuriathi, Attakkulangara and East Fort. The finished products are sold on the footpath bordering the Putharikandam grounds.
The clientele consists of low-budget shoppers and those who want to set up makeshift shops and temporary settlements. The dealers also take orders from the customers.
Since the advent of plastic and fibre furniture, the `Pathira furniture' has lost its sheen considerably. "On certain days, business is very dull," says Jayandan, a trader.
K. C. ASOK
Photo: A. J. Joji
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