In the tea industry, the "off-season" generally refers to the period when the tea bushes are not actively producing new growth and leaves. This is typically during the dormant season, which can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the climate and growing conditions of the tea estate.

During the off-season, tea estate workers may engage in maintenance tasks such as pruning and fertilizing the tea bushes, repairing or replacing machinery and infrastructure, and preparing the fields for the next growing season. In some cases, workers may also take time off during the off-season to rest and recharge for the next busy period.

It's important to note that the exact timing of the off-season can vary greatly between tea-growing regions, and can be influenced by factors such as altitude, rainfall, temperature, and soil type. Some tea estates may have multiple off-seasons throughout the year, while others may only have one.