Arzaai or Razai (Hindustani: रज़ाई, رزائی; Punjabi language: ਰਜ਼ਾਈ, ; ) is a bedding (quilt) very similar to, if not a type of, duvet or comforter, used in Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Nepal.
Maintenance
The cotton wool in a
razai clumps over time, thinning the
razai and driving the air out, which causes the
razai to become less effective as a protection against the cold. For this reason, prior to the onset of winter weather, it is common for families to get their
razais carding: the cotton wool in the
razai is removed, carded to eliminate the clumping, and reinserted into the
razai-cover.
This is done by
razai-carders (called
dhuniyas or
dhunnas, see the Australian English term for duvet, "
doona") who are professionally adept and seasonally employed in this activity.
The bowed carding instrument, called the
dhunki, has a distinctive twang when it is in use or its string is plucked.
This twang is a common daytime sound in rural areas in the autumn, and is sometimes used as a cultural reference to the onset of winter in local literature and movies.
Business
Many businesses have been set up to sell quilts. The quilt market is big, and culture and local customs have evolved to make quilts into an international business opportunity.
Razai is famous by the name of 100gram Jaipuri Razai. Many old business of Jaipur-The Pink City sells Jaipuri Razai. Chaura Rasta being one of the hidden markets, sells most of the authentic Razai.
