A good quality hair dryer is essential to achieving the perfect style, no matter your hair type. Whether you have thick, curly hair or fine, straight hair, the right dryer can make a big difference. With so many options available, it can be challenging to choose the best one.

In this article, we will explore the top 8 hair dryers available in the market, comparing their features, performance and overall value. From budget-friendly models to professional-grade dryers, we cover a wide range of options to suit different needs. We’ll highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each, helping you find the ideal match for your hair care routine.

Key factors such as drying speed, heat setting and attachments such as diffusers and concentrators will be considered. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight travel-friendly option or a powerful, salon-quality dryer, this guide will ensure you make an informed decision for healthy, shiny hair.

Philips HP8100/46 Hair Dryer

The Philips HP8100/46 Hair Dryer is a compact and lightweight option that offers fast and efficient drying. With a powerful 1000W motor, it is perfect for everyday use. ThermaProtect temperature setting provides optimal drying temperature and additional protection from excessive heat.

Specifications of Philips HP8100/46 Hair Dryer

• 1000W motor
• thermoprotect temperature setting
• Compact and lightweight design
• 2 flexible speed settings
• 1.5 meter cord for maximum flexibility

Havells HD3151 Hair Dryer

Havells HD3151 Hair Dryer has a powerful motor and heat balance technology that ensures even distribution of heat to prevent damage. It comes with a honeycomb inlet to prevent tangles and a blast of cool air to seal the hair cuticles, leaving a shiny and smooth finish.

Specifications of Havells HD3151 Hair Dryer

• 1200W motor
• heat balance technology
• honeycomb entry
• cool breeze
• Folding handle for easy storage

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Philips HP8100/60 Hair Dryer

The Philips HP8100/60 hair dryer is designed for a comfortable grip and easy handling. With a 1000W motor and compact design, it offers fast and efficient drying. The concentrator focuses airflow for precise styling.

Specifications of Philips HP8100/60 Hair Dryer

• 1000W motor
• comfortable grip design
• compact and lightweight
• 2 flexible speed settings
• Concentrator for precise styling

The Philips HP8120/00 hair dryer is equipped with a 1200W motor and ThermoProtect temperature setting to ensure optimal drying temperature and additional protection from overheating. It has a compact design for easy storage and travel.

Specifications of Philips HP8120/00 Hair Dryer

• 1200W motor
• thermoprotect temperature setting
• compact design
• 3 flexible speed settings
• Cool air setting for gentle blow-dry

The VEGA Insta Dryer VHDH-20 features a 1000W motor and a safety automatic overheat cut-out for a safe and easy styling experience. The Cool Shot functionality helps seal the hair cuticles and set the hair, leaving a smooth and shiny finish.

Specifications of Vega Insta Dryer VHDH-20

• 1000W motor
• Safety automatic overheat cut-out
• great shot performance
• Folding handle for easy storage
• 2 heat/speed settings

Philips Hair Dryer with Powerful Thermoprotect provides fast drying experience with 2100W motor. ThermaProtect temperature setting provides optimal drying temperature and additional protection from excessive heat. It comes with a great shot to determine your style.

Specifications of Philips hair dryer with powerful thermoprotect

• 2100W motor
• thermoprotect temperature setting
• great shot performance
• Ionic Conditioning for Shiny, Frizz-Free Hair
• 6 flexible speed and temperature settings

Also read:Best Hair Serums for Women: 10 Options to Enhance the Shine, Strength, and Smoothness of Your Hair

Beurer 591.15 Professional 2200W Dryer

The Beurer 591.15 Professional 2200W Dryer is a high-performance hair dryer with a 2200W AC motor for professional styling results. It features an ion function to reduce static and frizz, multiple heat and speed settings, and a cool air setting for a long-lasting finish.

Specifications of Beurer 591.15 Professional 2200W Dryer

• 2200W AC motor
• Ion function to reduce static and frizz
• Multiple heat and speed settings
• Cool air setting for a long lasting finish
• Removable safety filter for easy cleaning

The Vega Folding Hair Dryer with Detachable Nozzle is a compact and lightweight option that offers easy storage and travel. With 2 heat/speed settings and a cool shot functionality, it offers versatile styling options for all hair types.

Specifications of Vega Folding Hair Dryer with Detachable Nozzle

• 1000W motor
• Folding design for easy storage
• Detachable nozzle for precise styling
• 2 heat/speed settings
• Great shot functionality to set the style

Also read:Hair dryer price comparison: get the best value for money

Top 3 Features of the Best Hair Dryer:

Best value for money hair dryer:

Havells HD3151 Hair Dryer offers the best value for money with its powerful motor, heat balance technology and foldable handle for easy storage. It offers a wide range of features at an affordable price, making it a great investment for everyday styling needs.

Also read:Hair dryer price comparison: get the best value for money

Best Overall Hair Dryer:

The Philips Hair Dryer with Powerful ThermoProtect stands out as the best overall product in its category with its fast-drying experience, ionic conditioning for shiny, frizz-free hair, and multiple speed and temperature settings. This is a high-performance hair dryer suitable for professional results.

Factors to keep in mind while choosing the right hair dryer:

hair type: Consider your hair type when choosing a dryer. Thinner hair may require a lower heat setting, while thick or curly hair may require a higher heat setting for faster drying.

wattage: Higher wattage usually means faster drying. Look for a dryer with at least 1800 watts for efficient drying.

Heat and Speed ​​Settings: Multiple heat and speed settings provide more control, letting you customize your drying experience for different styles and hair types.

attachments: Check out attachments like diffusers, concentrators or combs for additional styling options.

Weight and ergonomics: Lightweight and ergonomically designed hair dryer reduces hand strain, especially during prolonged use.

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Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We will not be liable for any claims under applicable laws including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in relation to the Products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

When it comes to travelling, choosing the right luggage is important. Wheeled duffel bags offer a perfect blend of versatility and convenience, making them ideal for a variety of travel needs. Whether you’re going on a short weekend trip or a longer adventure, a wheeled duffel bag offers ample storage, easy mobility, and durability.

With so many options in the market, choosing the best option can be overwhelming. This article will compare the top 9 wheeled duffel bags, focusing on the key features, pros, and cons of each. From spacious compartments to sturdy wheels, we’ll help you find the perfect bag based on your specific needs.

Whether you prefer a lightweight option for casual trips or a sturdier design for more demanding trips, this guide will help you make an informed decision. Say goodbye to packing struggles and find your ideal travel companion with our top wheeled duffel bag recommendations.

Skybags Cardiff Polyester Travel Duffle

The Skybags Cardiff Polyester Travel Duffel is a stylish and durable option for travelers. It features a spacious main compartment, multiple pockets for organization, and smooth-rolling wheels for easy mobility. The bag is made of high quality polyester and comes in smooth blue colour.

Specifications of Skybags Cardiff Polyester Travel Duffle

• spacious main compartment
• Multiple pockets for organization
• smooth rolling wheels
• high quality polyester material
• smooth blue color

The Aristocrat Cadet Polyester Travel Duffel is designed for both style and functionality. It offers a spacious interior, sturdy construction and ergonomic handles for comfortable carrying. The bag is made of durable polyester and comes in a classic black color.

Specifications of Aristocrat Cadet Polyester Travel Duffel

• spacious interior
• strong construction
• ergonomic handle
• durable polyester material
• classic black color

Also read:Lightweight luggage bag: the quick and smart solution that can ensure your travel with ease in 2024

The Lavie Sport Camelot Spacious Compartment Duffel is a versatile and practical choice for travelers. It has a spacious main compartment, multiple pockets for organization, and a comfortable shoulder strap for easy carrying. The bag is made of high-quality materials and comes in a sporty camelot color.

Specifications of Lavi Sport Camelot Spacious Compartment Duffel

• spacious main compartment
• Multiple pockets for organization
• comfortable shoulder strap
• high quality ingredients
• sporty camelot color

The Lavie Sport Galactic Duffel Trolley is a functional and stylish option for travelers. It features a spacious main compartment, durable trolley wheels and a retractable handle for easy transportation. The bag is made of premium materials and comes in an attractive galactic color.

Specifications of Lavi Sport Galactic Duffel Trolley

• spacious main compartment
• durable trolley wheels
• retractable handle
• premium content
• attractive galactic colors

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The Rolling Duffel Expandable Folding Luggage offers exceptional versatility and convenience for travelers. It features an extendable design, foldable construction, and smooth-rolling wheels for effortless mobility. The bag is made of durable material and comes in sleek black color.

Specifications of Rolling Duffel Expandable Folding Luggage

• expandable design
• foldable construction
• smooth rolling wheels
• durable materials
• smooth black color

The Storite Travel Bag Convertible Duffel is a multifunctional and durable option for travelers. It features a convertible design, spacious compartments, and reinforced handles for easy carrying. The bag is made of high-quality materials and features a versatile gray color.

Specifications of Storite Travel Bag Convertible Duffel

• convertible design
• huge box
• reinforced handle
• high quality ingredients
• versatile gray color

The Hunavi Rolling Expandable Folding Textured Duffel is designed for maximum versatility and durability. It features an extendable and foldable design, textured exterior for added protection, and smooth-rolling wheels for effortless transportation. The bag is made of premium material and comes in textured black color.

Specifications of Hunavi Rolling Expandable Folding Textured Duffel

• Expandable and foldable design
• textured exterior
• smooth rolling wheels
• premium content
• textured black

The Uppercase Trolley Spacious Compartment Duffel offers a perfect blend of practicality and style. It features a spacious main compartment, durable trolley wheels and a retractable handle for easy operation. The bag is made of high quality materials and comes in sleek black color.

Features of Uppercase Trolley Spacious Compartment Duffel

• spacious main compartment
• durable trolley wheels
• retractable handle
• high quality ingredients
• smooth black color

The Safari Wheeled Duffel with Orange Accents is a vibrant and functional option for travelers. It features a spacious main compartment, vibrant orange accents, and smooth-rolling wheels for easy transportation. The bag is made of durable material and features a unique orange color.

Specifications of Safari Wheeled Duffle with Orange Accents

• spacious main compartment
• vibrant orange accents
• smooth rolling wheels
• durable materials
• unique orange color

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Top 3 Features of Wheeled Duffel Bags:

Best Value for Money Wheeled Duffel Bag:

The Rolling Duffel Expandable Folding Luggage stands out as the best value for money, offering exceptional versatility and convenience at an affordable price. With its expandable design and durable construction, it offers great value for travelers looking for a budget-friendly yet reliable option.

Also read:Best Kids Luggage Bags: Top 7 Picks for Hassle-Free Travel Adventures with Your Little Ones

Best Overall Wheeled Duffel Bag:

The Hunawee Rolling Expandable Folding Textured Duffel is the best overall product in this category, offering maximum versatility, durability, and convenience. Its premium materials, textured exterior and smooth-rolling wheels make it a top choice for travelers looking for the best combination of style and functionality.

Factors to keep in mind when choosing the right wheeled duffel bag:

size and capacity: Choose a bag that suits your travel needs. Larger bags are ideal for longer trips, while smaller bags are suitable for shorter trips.

Tolerance: Choose high-quality, durable materials like nylon or polyester to ensure the bag can withstand repeated use and rough handling.

wheels and mobility: Make sure the bag has sturdy, smoothly turning wheels that make it easy to move, especially on uneven surfaces.

bins and organization: Look for a bag with multiple compartments for efficient packing and easy access to your items.

weight: Consider the weight of the bag itself. The lightweight design will make it easy to carry, especially when fully packed.

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Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We will not be liable for any claims under applicable laws including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in relation to the Products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

Body lotion is one of the most essential skin care products for dry skin, especially in winters. It helps us restore the skin’s natural barrier. Regular use of body lotion can also improve the texture of the skin, leaving it feeling soft and smooth. L’Occitane is a premium choice when it comes to choosing a body lotion for dry skin because of its nourishing formula. However, its products can be expensive, making them inaccessible to some people. Fortunately, there are several effective alternatives that can provide similar benefits without the higher cost. Brands like Eucerin, CeraVe and others offer moisturizing lotions with ingredients like ceramides, oatmeal and glycerin, which can hydrate and protect the skin. Check out these budget-friendly options from L’Occitane and keep your skin nourished.

L’Occitane Latte Corpse Body Lotion is a luxurious body lotion that contains organic verbena extract. It has invigorating citrus notes of lemon, orange and verbena that invigorate the senses. Ideal for dry skin, it can provide hydration and nourishment, leaving skin feeling soft and smooth. The lotion absorbs fast and helps soothe skin with organic extracts of verbena.

Specifications of L’Occitane Body Lotion:

Skin Type: Dry

Item Form: Lotion

Why buy: Choose this body lotion for dry skin because of its refreshing citrus scent and gentle, hydrating formula.

Why avoid: If you are sensitive to strong fragrances or prefer fragrance-free options, this may not be suitable.

What customers are saying: Customers love the luxurious feel and delightful scent, and many say it provides a gentle, calming experience after bathing.

Why choose this product: If you want a natural, soothing lotion with a refreshing citrus scent, this could be an ideal choice.

Factors to Consider When Choosing L’Occitane Body Lotion Alternatives for Dry Skin

1. Ingredients: Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and natural oils that can help retain moisture and repair the skin barrier.

2. Fragrance: For sensitive skin, choose fragrance-free or lightly scented lotions to avoid irritation. Strong fragrances can sometimes cause discomfort.

3. Absorption: Choose a light, fast-absorbing formula to avoid sticky residue, especially if you need a body lotion for dry skin that won’t feel heavy on the skin.

4. Skin Sensitivity: If you have sensitive skin, choose hypoallergenic or dermatologist-tested lotions to prevent irritation or allergic reactions.

5. Long Lasting Hydration: For dry skin, choose a body lotion with long-lasting hydration to prevent dryness from recurring, ensuring your skin remains nourished throughout the day.

Body Lotion for Dry Skin: Budget-Friendly Alternatives to L’Occitane

CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion is a dermatologist-recommended lotion designed for dry to very dry skin. Formulated with 3 essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid, it can hydrate and help restore the skin’s natural protective barrier. The lightweight, non-comedogenic formula makes it suitable for both face and body, and it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue.

Specifications of CeraVe Moisturizing Lotion:

Skin Type: Dry, Normal

Item Form: Lotion

Why buy: Ideal for those with dry skin, this lotion claims to provide long-lasting hydration.

Why avoid: If you’re looking for a lotion with extra fragrance or for oily skin, this may not be the best fit.

What customers are saying: Customers appreciate the non-greasy, smooth texture and its effectiveness in deeply moisturizing dry skin.

Why choose this product: It’s a dermatologist-backed, allergy-tested lotion that’s perfect for everyday hydration without clogging pores.

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Cetaphil Moisturizing Lotion is a non-greasy, fast-absorbing lotion suitable for sensitive skin. It claims to provide 24-hour hydration and is designed to restore the skin’s natural moisture balance. Ideal for daily use, this body lotion for dry skin in winters can help reduce dryness without causing irritation.

Specifications of Cetaphil Galderma Moisturizing Lotion:

Skin Type: Dry

Item Form: Lotion

Why buy: This body lotion for dry skin is ideal for sensitive or irritated skin, providing deep moisture without feeling heavy or greasy.

Why avoid: Those who prefer heavily scented products may not enjoy its fragrance-free formula.

What customers are saying: Many customers report good results for sensitive skin, providing long-lasting hydration and comfort.

Why choose it: If you need a reliable, gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer for sensitive skin, Cetaphil could be a great choice.

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FIXDERMA AHA Lotion is a powerful exfoliating treatment that can remove dead skin cells, leaving smooth and glowing skin. It contains 15% glycolic acid, which can help treat conditions like keratosis pilaris and rough, dry patches. This body lotion for dry skin also contains Milk Protein and Multifruit BSC to soothe and refresh the skin.

Specifications of Fixderma Cosmetic Laboratories:

Skin Type: Dry

Item Form: Lotion

Why buy: Great for tackling stubborn dry skin and rough spots, this lotion can help brighten and renew skin with regular use.

Why avoid: Those with sensitive skin or who are new to exfoliating acids should use this product with caution, as it may cause irritation.

What customers are saying: Customers report great success in treating bumpy, rough skin, with some seeing significant improvement in just a few days.

Why choose it: This may be perfect for those who need an exfoliating lotion to combat dry, textured skin or skin conditions like keratosis pilaris.

Nutriderm Moisturizing Lotion is a unique formula that contains Vitamin E Phosphate, which provides superior moisturizing properties. It can provide long-lasting hydration, help reduce fine lines and protect the skin from environmental damage. This fast-absorbing lotion is dermatologically tested and ideal for all skin types.

Specifications of Nutriderm Moisturizing Lotion:

Skin Type: All

Item Form: Lotion

Why buy: If you’re looking for an antioxidant-rich body lotion for dry skin that can deeply hydrate and improve skin texture, Nutriderm could be a solid choice.

Why avoid: People with acne-prone skin may want to do a patch-test before using it due to mixed reviews about its suitability.

What customers are saying: Customers love how quickly it absorbs and its ability to leave skin feeling soft and supple, but some are concerned about its value for money.

Why choose it: If you want a lightweight, antioxidant-rich lotion that hydrates and helps improve skin elasticity, opt for Nutriderm.

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Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Lotion provides deep hydration to dry skin using glycerin and panthenol to restore moisture balance. The lightweight, non-greasy formula is designed to penetrate the skin quickly, leaving skin soft and smooth without any oily residue. This body lotion for dry skin claims to provide long-lasting moisture all day long.

Specifications of Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Deep Moisture:

Skin Type: Dry

Item Form: Lotion

Why buy: This product can be one of the best body lotions for dry skin as it can provide instant relief and long-lasting hydration.

Why avoid: People sensitive to fragrance should avoid this, as it has a light, refreshing scent that may not be for everyone.

What customers are saying: Customers praise the cooling sensation and its ability to provide intense moisture, especially in harsh weather conditions.

Why choose it: Choose Neutrogena for its clinically proven formula that can provide intense moisture without leaving your skin sticky.

Bioderma Atoderm Cream Ultra-Nourishing is suitable for normal to sensitive dry skin, providing 24-hour hydration. It contains Skin Protect Complex with Vitamin PP, which can help restore the skin’s natural barrier. This rich, nourishing cream can soothe and smooth skin, providing long-lasting comfort.

Specifications of Bioderma Atoderm Cream Ultra-Nourishing Moisturizer:

Skin Type: Dry

Lotion: Cream

Why buy: Ideal for sensitive and dry skin, this moisturizer claims to provide lasting hydration and help repair damaged skin barriers.

Why avoid: The rich texture may be too heavy for those with oily skin or prefer lighter formulas.

What customers are saying: Customers note its ability to heal and repair dry, damaged skin, leaving skin feeling soft and moisturized.

Why choose this product: Choose this body lotion for dry skin for a gentle, effective solution.

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B Bodywise 10% Urea Body Lotion is designed to deeply hydrate very dry, flaky skin. It contains ceramides, kokum butter and mango butter to soothe and restore moisture. The lotion’s formula is lightweight, non-greasy, and absorbs quickly, providing up to 48 hours of hydration.

Specifications of B Bodywise 10% Urea Body Lotion:

Skin Type: Dry

Item Form: Lotion

Why buy: If you suffer from dry or flaky skin, this body lotion for men and women can provide intensive hydration and skin barrier repair.

Why avoid: This formula may cause irritation to sensitive skin due to its exfoliating properties.

What customers are saying: Customers rave about how this body lotion for dry skin helps with conditions like rough patches, dark spots, and strawberry skin.

Why choose it: If you have very dry skin and need a lotion that provides long-lasting hydration without feeling greasy then this could be a great option.

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Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay updated with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a share of the revenue when you make a purchase. We will not be liable for any claims under applicable laws including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 in relation to the Products. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority.

In Old Delhi’s labyrinthine streets of Sadar Bazar, where spices and silver jewellery are sold in wholesale markets, noise is a default setting. The best way to get there is by travelling on the Delhi Metro, and then in a (back-breaking) autorickshaw ride over potholes. The “multitudes” that Walt Whitman speaks about can also be used to describe Delhi’s Mughal quarter: traffic and cows dodge each other, people grab a bite on the roadside, thick electricity cables hang low, and there are loud negotiations for money and space.

Off Idgah Road, where it is best to walk because the lane narrows to single-scooter width, a backstreet leads to a ramshackle building. Within its 16×16-square-foot hall, there is an unexpected quiet. Behind the closed doors of the Mohammed Naeem Ansari Hero Boys Carrom Club-cum-Naeem Coaching Academy, three dozen men pore over carrom boards illuminated by bulbs hanging over them. Wooden coins — in ivory and black — that dart across the boards make the only sound as players focus on their next move.

There are about 30 carrom clubs in the city, registered with the Delhi Carrom Association, mostly across the Walled City near the Jama Masjid, Ballimaran, Chawri Bazaar, Lal Kuan, and Paharganj; besides a few in Wazirabad in west Delhi and Seelampur in east Delhi. Most of them, though not the Ansari boys’ club, are 40-50 years old, and operate out of crammed low-ceiling rooms. To play competitively, clubs must be registered.

“Over the last three years, the number of clubs has doubled and the membership multiplied manifold,” says Mohd. Naeem Ansari, who runs three carrom clubs in Sadar Bazar. “Until the early 1990s, there were about 60 clubs in the city; by the 2000s, hardly a dozen were left,” he says. The nature of entertainment had changed, with multiplexes and mall-crawl culture thriving. The low patronage of the informally played game copied itself out in towns and cities across India until the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

With historical roots in India, carrom is today played in living rooms, public spaces, clubs, cafes, game halls of school and colleges, and recreation rooms of hotels and offices across 75 countries. “It is an enthralling game with no age bar and provides both entertainment and quality time with family and friends. There is an element of competition too,” says Rashmi Kumari, three-time world champion and winner of 11 national titles. Kumari, who works with the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, a public sector company, says people do not realise that there are those who play it at a highly competitive level.

As per export data from the Commerce and Industry Ministry, ₹39 crore worth of Indian carrom boards were exported between April 2022 and January 2024. There was a 6% growth between just February and August 2024.

Crafting carrom boards

Ansari’s observation about the revival of interest in carrom is reflected 80 km away in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, where kaarigars (craftspeople) make carrom boards. “Our boards are for everyone who plays carrom for fun and bonding,” says Aman Grover, who runs his grandfather’s 55-year-old Swati Sports in Bansipura, which is dotted with shops selling sports equipment.

In 2022, Grover says, his annual turnover of ₹4 crore was three times more than the previous year’s. Then, making carrom boards was seasonal, doing good business six months a year and peaking during the summer, vacations, and festivals like Ramzan. “Now, the spike in demand keeps us busy even during the challenging monsoon and winter months,” he says.

Meerut was one of the places where families that fled Sialkot during the Partition settled. Now, people who manufacture carrom boards — a skill they brought back from Sialkot — live in Surajkund Colony, Sports Colony, and Gandhi Nagar. Nearly 78 years ago, they had set up small enterprises in their backyards, manufacturing all kinds of sports goods.

“Initially, there were hundreds of us here; now only 50 families are left that make carrom boards,” says Madan Bhatia, whose family business was set up by his grandfather in Sialkot in 1926. His workshop in Surajkund Colony buzzes with the skills of daily wage workers who make 250-300 carrom boards a day.

A daily wage worker making carrom boards at a factory in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh.
| Photo Credit:
Zeeshan Akhtar

The corridor to Bhatia’s office is stacked, Jenga-like, with towers of 16×16-inch plyboards that come from Kolkata, and kikar (babul wood) frames from Rajasthan. From here, the sky is just a ribbon. In the mini factory, carrom boards are being assembled manually. Four pieces of kikar wood are cut to make a square frame, then glued, and clasped with iron fasteners.

“Earlier, we used nails, but now use corrugated fasteners as they join the corners better,” says Deepak Kumar, who has been working in the factory for 15 years. The frame is then layered with marammat (a mixture of chalk powder and a wood adhesive) and smoothened before it is painted black, varnished, and left to dry.

In the next section, the ply, already coated with a sealer and dried to make it waterproof, is smoothened with sandpaper and fitted into the frame. Roshan Singh focuses on the rotating cutter to drill holes for the four corner pockets in less than a minute. He has done this for 20 years.

Bhatia says until a decade ago, skilled artisans held an important position in the carrom-making team as the black-and-red marking on the playing surface was hand-painted on each board. “It was time-consuming. Stencilling has made the process quicker,” he explains.

The next step is to paste the back support or the chaakdi, which is sourced from the wood market in Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, on to each prepared board. Bharat Kumar then attaches the crochet pockets made by women at home in Uttar Pradesh’s Tejgarhi, 4 km away.

His sister-in-law, Rajeshwari, earns ₹5 for each pocket she crochets. Depending on her domestic chores, she does 20 dozen or so in a week. Now, he fears her small earnings may go away because factory owners have started importing nylon pocket nets from China for ₹3 a dozen. “Handmade crochet pockets are better and it is easy to hammer bulletin board pins on them around the four holes,” he says.

Board intelligence

Carrom board-making is a lengthy process; at each stage of its making it has to be sun-dried well so that the frame and the board do not warp, bloat, or bubble over time. It takes at least five persons to make one carrom board, and inside Meerut’s small factories, daily wage workers put in shifts of eight hours each. They are paid between ₹32 and ₹100 per piece depending on the type of work they do and the size of the board.

“It takes two months for a carrom board to get to the market for sale,” says Bhatia, supervising the day’s consignment of 100 boards, each packaged with carrom coins procured from Rajkot and Vadodara in Gujarat, and carrom powder that is produced locally. His boards will be delivered to Reliance stores in a neighbouring district.

“The most-bought size for playing at home is 16×16 inches,” says Deepak Aggarwal, who owns a shop in the market. Selling at ₹180 each five years ago, they now cost ₹250 given the rising cost of raw materials. Boards smaller than this usually have a two-year life. Depending on the order, carrom manufacturers in Meerut make the boards in sizes from 16×16 inches to 42×42 inches.

“After COVID, there has been year-round demand. We would sell 300 to 350 pieces a month in the hectic six-month period, which would drop to 125 pieces a month for the rest of the year,” says Abhishek Jalan, Aggarwal’s business partner.

“The abundance of orders is good money, but it also means working long hours in difficult weather conditions. The wood has to be always well protected from water and dampness,” says Manohar Lal, a skilled solo manufacturer, who makes his own boards, roughly two dozen a week, and sells them only in the local market.

Taking it abroad

In 1947, thousands of skilled craftsmen had migrated across the border and established sports goods manufacturing units predominantly in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Meerut, Moradabad, and Mumbai. While Punjab and Maharashtra grew as the hub for carrom boards used in competitions the world over, Meerut’s small manufacturers remained inundated with opportunities for handmade, indoor games.

Arjun Kohli, 28, is the CEO of Stag, which was founded by his great-grandfather Arjun Das Kohli in 1922 in Sialkot to make sports equipment for schools. Though the company today is a trusted brand in table tennis, the demand for carrom boards in domestic markets and overseas, including the U.S., the U.K., and Europe, where the Indian diaspora lives in large numbers, has made Arjun stick with it.

In 1947, thousands of skilled craftsmen who made carrom boards had migrated from Pakistan’s Sialkot across the border and established sports goods manufacturing units predominantly in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Meerut, Moradabad, and Mumbai.
| Photo Credit:
SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP

He is a regular supplier of high-quality, medium-density fibreboard carrom boards to Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE; and within India to Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and the northeastern States. On an average, 3,000 boards move out of his factory once every three weeks, he says. Arjun makes them on white boards, laminated particle boards, and high-density plywood that cost between ₹2,500 and ₹12,000. “The price depends on the thickness of the plain surface, thickness and width of the border, the finishing touches, and the quality of screen printing and polishing,” he says.

With carrom becoming a part of many Indian celebrations in recent years, Arjun began innovating. Last Deepavali, he launched a convertible carrom board, a folding model that also turns into a mini table tennis set and comes on wheels for easy mobility. For Ramzan, he made boards with extra pockets on the frames to hold teacups, and adjustable stands for playing comfort and posture. This Deepavali, he created a black board with neon coins for Australian and U.S. markets.

Grover caters to weekly orders of 50 pieces of 32×32-inch boards, and 80 pieces of 16×16-inch boards from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Afghanistan, and Iran. Bhatia sends 100 pieces a month to Nepal and also receives bulk orders from Yemen, Malaysia, and Qatar.

Vivek Narayan, former secretary general of the All India Carrom Federation, says despite India being among the top playing carrom nations in the world, and a quality exporter of carrom boards, the game has not been elevated the way chess has. However, he says because players can apply for government jobs and university scholarships using carrom wins under the sports quota, it holds value. “Multiple carrom competitions at district and State levels, the national league tournaments, and world championships have catapulted carrom to a recognised tabletop sport. The live-streaming of carrom tournaments on YouTube is slowly making a difference,” he adds.

Going clubbing

Back inside Delhi’s carrom clubs, the games typically begin at 7 p.m. and go on until the crack of dawn. Mohsin Qureshi, 62, who plays competitive veteran tournaments, says the clubs are helping produce better players. “A decade ago, the clubs collectively produced barely two teams to play in the annual State tournament. Today, Delhi boasts 128 players at the inter-State level,” he says.

Faiz Qureshi, 15, was ranked third in the National Junior Championship held in February this year in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. The Class 11 student of N.P. Boys Senior Secondary School, Gole Market, has been practising at Ansari’s coaching academy with one of the seniormost coaches, Haji Swalin, who started playing carrom in 1948.

A carrom game in full swing at one of the clubs in Old Delhi.
| Photo Credit:
SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP

“I used to occasionally play carrom at home with my father, but really got into it during COVID. It helped me wean myself off mobile phone games,” says Faiz. Now, he says, many of his schoolmates enjoy a game of carrom more than making and watching reels.

Khubeb Qureishi, 13, and Siddarth Ujjainwal, 15, have joined Ansari’s academy with five other children to learn and upskill their game. For a monthly fee of ₹500, Ansari gives them a three-hour class daily from 4 p.m. He also serves them some light refreshments as the children come straight from school.

“Coaching by veteran players and multiple district-level tournaments round the year give them enough opportunities to prove their mettle in the game,” says Ansari.

There are also carron players who walk in after midnight just for a round. Ansari charges them ₹20 per game. “On an average, newcomers take 40 minutes to an hour to finish a rally; I keep the club open until 4 a.m. daily,” he says.