Markets witness rush ahead of Ayudha puja and Vijayadashami

BENGALURU: Markets in the city witnessed huge crowds ahead of Ayudha puja and Vijayadashami. On Thursday, the state will celebrate Dasara, a grand celebration in Karnataka. In preparation for the festival, people are flocking to markets to buy flowers, fruits and other items for Ayudha Puja, a ritual worship of tools and vehicles.

The markets are filled with people buying banana stalks, flowers and fruits. The prices of flowers have skyrocketed due to the festival demand and recent rains. The prices of flowers like Sevanthige, Kanakambara, Mallige and Gulabi have doubled or even tripled.

Prices of flowers are as follows:

Chrysanthemum: Rs 50-Rs 60 per kg to Rs 300- Rs 400 per kg

Crossandra: Rs 1,000- Rs 1,500 per bunch to Rs 2000-Rs 2500 per bunch

Jasmine: Rs 700-1000 per kg to Rs 1,500-Rs 2,000 per kg

Roses: Rs 200-Rs 250 per kg to Rs 400-Rs 450 per kg

Banana stalks: Rs 30- Rs 40 per pair to Rs 60- Rs 100 per pair

Ash gourd: Rs 20-30 each to Rs 50- Rs 60 each

The price hike has left customers shocked. Sudha, who was visiting a market, said, “Price hikes on flowers during festival season are very common nowadays. They raise demand with high prices to do business. We hope they will reduce process, but they don’t. Prices of fruits have almost doubled”.

“If they reduce prices on fruits and flowers, all could celebrate the festival in a grand manner. Prices of lemon, pumpkin and important items have gone up. What can be done? If they raise prices in such markets, it will be difficult for poor people”, said Rupa, another customer.

Trader Lakshmamma said, “All customers are speaking about increased prices on items, including fruits and flowers. In the previous years, we sold lemons for Rs 10 per kg. Some of them were dumped at the market and we suffered losses. Those who are earning in lakhs are also demanding to reduce prices”.