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.
What’s a jhola, anyway?
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 shop.
But now, this same jhola is up for grabs at $48 (over Rs 4,100) on the website of luxury retailer Nordstrom.
A global glow-up for the humble jhola
Yes, 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 jholas.
This 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.”
Social media reacts: “What in the name of scam is this?”
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 amused.
One 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:
The simple Indian jhola, something almost every Indian household has used, is now being sold globally, and at a shockingly high price.
What’s a jhola, anyway?
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 shop.
But now, this same jhola is up for grabs at $48 (over Rs 4,100) on the website of luxury retailer Nordstrom.
A global glow-up for the humble jhola
Yes, 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 jholas.
This 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.”
Social media reacts: “What in the name of scam is this?”
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 amused.
One 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:
- “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.”
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