Udupi: With Ganesha festival to be celebrated on Monday, preparations were afoot in all corners of the city on Sunday.
Brisk preparations were apparent in the bustle witnessed at Car street, where customers were seen complaining about the increase in prices, while making no compromises to please the deity.
Though the price of fruits and vegetables had come down marginally of late, buying spree for the festival, like every year, pushed the prices slightly upwards. Fruits, vegetables, flowers and other items for decoration and puja cost the consumers dear.
Surge in prices
Other commodities, though comparatively cheap, were priced higher than normal due to the demand. Vendors predicted that prices would fall soon after the festivities, while offering no explanation for the sudden surge.
Beetroot, which was being sold at Rs 12-16 a kg in the market a few days ago, cost Rs 20 on Sunday. Similar fluctuations were noted in the prices of beans (Rs 30 per kg), drumsticks (Rs 36 per kg) and tomato (between Rs 16 to 22 per kg).
However the Price of fruits as compared to vegetables had remained the same despite the demand, said a vendor.
However, it was the flower market that was abuzz with activity right from Sunday morning, as customers were undeterred over the rise in price.
Vendors selling banana stalks and mango leaves & sugarcae were making quick bucks with a pair sold at Rs 20 and a bunch at Rs 10 respectively at every nook and corner of the city.
Groups of youths were busy choosing idols on the eve of the fest and transporting it on goods vehicles to their pandals in their respective areas. Pandals have been erected at almost all areas for public installation of the idols, after seeking prior permission from the Police department.
