The jhola, a simple cotton bag that many Indians use daily for groceries, errands, or travel, is now making headlines for its surprising price tag abroad. American luxury store Nordstrom is selling this everyday Indian item for a whopping $48 (around ₹4,228).
Photos of this humble bag being sold at such a high price quickly went viral on social media, leaving many users amused and shocked.
The bag, made by Japanese brand Puebco, is listed on Nordstrom’s website as the “Indian Souvenir Bag”. According to the product description, it’s a “stylish bag, adorned with unique designs” that lets you “take a piece of India with you.”
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. pic.twitter.com/Zouw2rLpke
— Wordita (@wordi25) May 21, 2025
The bag is handmade, and the site even notes that it may have fading colours or printing flaws, which, it seems, add to its charm and authenticity.
Design-wise, it’s the same jhola that’s commonly seen in Indian markets, usually costing ₹100 or even less. The cotton bag is printed with Hindi phrases like “Ramesh Special Namkeen” and “Chetak Sweets”, giving it a classic Indian street-market feel.
The website adds: “It is perfect for carrying your essentials while showing off your love for a beautiful country. A must-have for any traveller or lover of Indian culture.”
The bag’s listing has sparked conversations on social media, with many users pointing out the irony of a basic Indian bag being sold at a high-end price in the West.
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