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India.com
23-05-2025
- India.com
Rs 4,100 Price Tag For Indian Jhola; Internet Reacts To Exorbitant Cost Of The Humble Grocery Bag
New Delhi: The modest jhola, a basic cloth bag used by Indians for grocery shopping and which costs less than Rs 100, is now being sold for $48 (Rs 4,228) on American luxury store Nordstrom's site. The picture of the jhola being sold at such a hefty price has gone viral on social media with many saying that next they will "start selling lungi and mention as a scottish drape'. Jhola sold online as Indian Souvenir Bag The jhola has been branded as the 'Indian Souvenir Bag' by Japanese company Puebco and is being marketed as an upscale item. Sold on Nordstrom, the jhola has been described as a 'stylish bag, adorned with unique designs, perfect for carrying your essentials while showing off your love for a beautiful country'. The jhola has been further described as a 'must-have for any traveller or lover of Indian culture.' The website says that the bag lets you "take a piece of India with you". The bag features Hindi text with labels like 'Ramesh Special Namkeen' and 'Chetak Sweets'. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nisha Pash (@nishapash) Social media discussion about the Rs 4,228 jhola The high price of the jhola on American websites has not gone over well with Indian social media users. Social media is abuzz with discussions regarding the jhola priced at Rs 4,228. Taking to Instagram, a user wrote, 'Next it's gonna be some 'spiced and crisped snacks'. But we know that it's just Haldirams. (don't confuse this with inclusivity).' A user commented on the above post, "48 dollars for this. my indian heart is about to cry.' 'They will literally start selling lungi and mention as a scottish drape,' a user said. 'Wasn't only Vimal tobacco Jhola was popular, what's this cheap looking namkeen thaila doing,' another user commented.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Luxury or loot? American store sells Rs 100 Indian jholas for a whopping Rs 4200!
Image credit: Puebco/Indian souvenir bag The humble Indian Jhola, no frills, no fancy leather, is a simple, all-purpose cotton bag long associated with Indian households, college students, and activists, of course. Now, suddenly, this Indian jhola has found itself in the global fashion spotlight and not without any controversy. What typically costs in India around 100 rupees or even at times is free with purchases at Indian local markets, is now being sold for jaw-dropping prices by an American luxury retailer, Nordstrom , for approximately $48 (4,228 Indian Rupees). The bag in question is being marketed as an 'Indian Souvenir Bag' by Japanese lifestyle brand Puebco. Made of cotton and emblazoned with Hindi script that resembles the kind of packaging found on lentils and masalas, the jhola is nearly identical to those casual bags slung across India, except for one striking difference: the price! Social media erupted in disbelief as images of the listing went viral. Many indians could not help but laugh over the fact that the bags they used to carry vegetables and groceries are now being sold as popular bags among high fashion enthusiasts. This is a case of classic western repackaging and rebranding. Memes across social media are comparing that jhola to global luxury bags that surfaced instantly. Others expressed outrage at how an everyday cultural object, often associated with frugality and function, had been transformed into a high-priced 'exotic' item for western consumers. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo How are people reacting all over social media? Image credit: Puebco/Indian souvenir bag The internet, as usual, was quick to erupt; many users expressed a mix of amusement and outrage at what they saw as a blatant case of cultural appropriation and commercial exploitation.'It is not about the bag; it is about the blatant repacking of our culture without context or credit,' one user posted. Another reply, sarcastically quipped, 'Should we start exporting tiffin boxes next as artisanal lunchware?' A user on X commented, 'For $48, I'll throw in an extra jhola, a steel dabba, and a packet of Maggi.' A Delhi-based artist wrote, 'This isn't just tone-deaf, it's bizarre. You can buy these for ₹60 outside Daryaganj Metro Station.' What else will Americanization steal from us? The controversy surrounding American. Rebranding Indian staples into high-fashion items is not new. Major fashion houses have faced similar criticism for selling items like lungi-styled skirts, kurta-like tunics, and even rubber slippers that were sold at exorbitant rates, marketed as exotic or avant-garde fashion in the West. While some argue that global recognition of Indian design should be celebrated, others insist that it must come with context, respect, and fair acknowledgment of cultural origins. In the case of the Indian Jhola, what was once a symbol of sustainability and street-smart sensibility has now become a case study in how globalization and luxury branding can sometimes distort cultural narratives for profit. As one viral tweet can sum it up, 'Call it what you want; to us, it will always be the bag you forget in the back of your dad's scooter.' One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Economic Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
Indian Jhola sells for Rs 4000 at a US store. Netizens demand to know: 'Who's paying so much?'
The humble Indian jhola, a symbol of practicality and cultural identity, has been rebranded as a luxury item abroad. Nordstrom is selling the "Indian Souvenir Bag," made by Puebco, for $48, sparking amusement and debate on Indian social media. The bag features recognizable Indian brand logos, transforming a budget-friendly essential into a trendy cultural artifact. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads In nearly every Indian household, there exists a common, trusty companion—the jhola, a multipurpose cloth bag that quietly serves a vital role in everyday life. Be it for stocking up on groceries or for doting mothers preparing their children for a move to urban centers for work or study, this unassuming bag has long been an integral part of Indian typically from breathable fabrics like cotton or khadi, the jhola is robust, practical, and endlessly reusable. Beyond its physical form, it holds emotional significance—a soft capsule of nostalgia, simplicity, and deep-rooted Indian sensibility that resonates with families across the a rather surprising twist, this modest item has caught the attention of luxury fashion abroad. A high-end American department store, Nordstrom , is now selling what it calls the 'Indian Souvenir Bag' for a staggering $48 (approximately ₹4,100). Produced by Japanese brand Puebco , the product is advertised as a creative, repurposed piece with a global flair. What's seen in India as a humble and often complimentary bag has been rebranded overseas as a trendy, must-have cultural describes it as an 'essential item for travelers and admirers of Indian heritage,' claiming it to be a fashionable carryall decorated with 'distinctive prints,' ideal for holding one's daily necessities while reflecting affection for India. The designs on the bags include popular Indian brand names such as "Ramesh Special Namkeen" and "Chetak Sweets", emblazoned in bold Hindi letters. These familiar logos, once seen on small-town snack packets, are now being used as unique visual elements to market the bag to global bag's online listing went viral after a video clip surfaced on May 20. It quickly gained traction, crossing over 500,000 views, and sparked intense discussions on Indian social media platforms. Reactions ranged from amusement to netizen lamented, '$48 for this? My desi heart can't take it.' Another asked sarcastically, 'We had the famous Vimal tobacco jhola; now what's this bland namkeen pouch doing here?' Some users joked about monetizing their own collection: 'I've got at least ten of these at home—should I open a store?' Others expressed worry about cultural appropriation , quipping, 'Next, they'll be selling lungis and calling them Scottish wraps.'Another wrote, "Who is paying 48 dollars for this? Can I start this business too?"In India, jholas are seen as budget-friendly, eco-conscious tools of daily life, typically priced under Rs 100—sometimes even handed out free with purchases. What many see as a symbol of practicality and environmental responsibility has now been refashioned into a chic cultural statement abroad.
Economic Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Economic Times
US brand sells kirana store jhola at 'unbelievable price'; Desi netizens ask, 'how to sell? got 10 at home'
The Indian jhola, a common cotton bag, is now a global item. Luxury retailer Nordstrom is selling it for $48. Japanese brand Puebco calls it the 'Indian Souvenir Bag'. Social media users are reacting to the high price. Many find it amusing that a simple bag is now a luxury fashion item. Some are calling it a scam. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What's a jhola, anyway? A global glow-up for the humble jhola Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Social media reacts: 'What in the name of scam is this?' 'Indian aesthetics are taking over.' 'Typical coloniser behaviour rehashing stolen ideas.' 'They will literally start selling lungi and call it a Scottish drape.' 'How can I sell? I have like 10 of these at home.' You might have raised your eyebrows after seeing Balenciaga 's strange products, from worn-out sneakers to trash-style tote bags and even a bag that looks like a pack of Lay's chips. Just when you thought it couldn't get any weirder, here's another surprise!The simple Indian jhola , something almost every Indian household has used, is now being sold globally, and at a shockingly high price.A jhola is a basic cotton bag used widely in India for shopping, running errands, or travel. It's practical, eco-friendly, and super affordable, often costing less than Rs 100, or even free with a big enough purchase from a local now, this same jhola is up for grabs at $48 (over Rs 4,100) on the website of luxury retailer you read that right, Rs 100 to Rs 4,100!The bag has been renamed by Japanese brand Puebco as the 'Indian Souvenir Bag.' According to Nordstrom's website, it's a 'chic bag, embellished with distinctive designs' that lets you 'take a bit of India with you.'The description highlights that it's handcrafted, and warns about possible colour fading and small imperfections in printing, which, let's be honest, we've all seen in local fancy version features simple white cotton material with printed Hindi text like 'Ramesh Special Namkeen' and 'Chetak Sweets.'The site also adds, 'It's ideal for carrying your necessities while showcasing your admiration for a beautiful country. An essential item for any traveller or enthusiast of Indian culture.'Of course, Indians on social media didn't hold back. For something that's been a common grocery bag for decades, often handed out for free, seeing it turned into a luxury fashion item overseas has left many people Instagram user @nishapash shared a video and joked, 'Next it's gonna be some 'spiced and crisped snacks'. But we know that it's just Haldirams.'On X, someone posted, 'What in the name of scam is this!! Jhola being sold at a premium department store Nordstrom for $48! I'm a homesick person but even I haven't reached these levels of nostalgia.'Others added their thoughts:
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Time of India
Indian Jhola sells for Rs 4000 at a US store. Netizens demand to know: 'Who's paying so much?'
In nearly every Indian household, there exists a common, trusty companion—the jhola, a multipurpose cloth bag that quietly serves a vital role in everyday life. Be it for stocking up on groceries or for doting mothers preparing their children for a move to urban centers for work or study, this unassuming bag has long been an integral part of Indian typically from breathable fabrics like cotton or khadi, the jhola is robust, practical, and endlessly reusable. Beyond its physical form, it holds emotional significance—a soft capsule of nostalgia, simplicity, and deep-rooted Indian sensibility that resonates with families across the a rather surprising twist, this modest item has caught the attention of luxury fashion abroad. A high-end American department store, Nordstrom , is now selling what it calls the 'Indian Souvenir Bag' for a staggering $48 (approximately ₹4,100). Produced by Japanese brand Puebco , the product is advertised as a creative, repurposed piece with a global flair. What's seen in India as a humble and often complimentary bag has been rebranded overseas as a trendy, must-have cultural describes it as an 'essential item for travelers and admirers of Indian heritage,' claiming it to be a fashionable carryall decorated with 'distinctive prints,' ideal for holding one's daily necessities while reflecting affection for India. The designs on the bags include popular Indian brand names such as "Ramesh Special Namkeen" and "Chetak Sweets", emblazoned in bold Hindi letters. These familiar logos, once seen on small-town snack packets, are now being used as unique visual elements to market the bag to global bag's online listing went viral after a video clip surfaced on May 20. It quickly gained traction, crossing over 500,000 views, and sparked intense discussions on Indian social media platforms. Reactions ranged from amusement to netizen lamented, '$48 for this? My desi heart can't take it.' Another asked sarcastically, 'We had the famous Vimal tobacco jhola; now what's this bland namkeen pouch doing here?' Some users joked about monetizing their own collection: 'I've got at least ten of these at home—should I open a store?' Others expressed worry about cultural appropriation , quipping, 'Next, they'll be selling lungis and calling them Scottish wraps.'Another wrote, "Who is paying 48 dollars for this? Can I start this business too?"In India, jholas are seen as budget-friendly, eco-conscious tools of daily life, typically priced under Rs 100—sometimes even handed out free with purchases. What many see as a symbol of practicality and environmental responsibility has now been refashioned into a chic cultural statement abroad.
