By News Karnataka Editorial Team
Copyright newskarnataka
Bengaluru: With Navaratri, Ayudha Puja, and Vijayadashami around the corner, Bengaluru markets have witnessed a surge in festive shopping over the past two days. Since Wednesday and Thursday (Vijayadashami) are government holidays, most offices, warehouses, factories, and commercial establishments performed Ayudha Puja rituals on Tuesday itself, prompting people to start buying puja essentials on Monday. This led to heavy crowds across traditional markets such as KR Market, Gandhi Bazaar, Malleswaram, Yeshwanthpur, Madiwala, Dasarahalli, Vijayanagar, and Jayanagar.
Ash gourd in high demand, prices up sharply
The ash gourd, considered essential for Ayudha Puja rituals, has become the most sought-after item this season. While the wholesale price stands at Rs 25–30 per kg, retail prices have spiked to Rs 40–60 per kg. Some retailers are even selling by piece instead of weight, with smaller gourds fetching Rs 100–150 and larger ones priced at Rs 200–250.
Farmers attribute the price rise to crop damage caused by rains in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, the major suppliers of ash gourds to Bengaluru. “We used to bring hundreds of gourds every year, but this time, rains destroyed much of the crop,” said Ramesh Gounder, a farmer from Krishnagiri. Karnataka’s production has not been sufficient to meet the festive surge in demand.
Consumers, however, are resigned to paying the higher price. “It’s expensive, but we cannot celebrate Ayudha Puja without it. We bought it early to avoid a bigger rush,” said Meena Rao, a Jayanagar resident.
Flower prices fluctuate ahead of the festival
Flowers, another key component of puja rituals, have seen mixed price trends. Roses have nearly doubled in price compared to last year, with wholesale rates at Rs 250–300 per kg and retail rates at Rs 400–450 per kg. Chrysanthemums are selling at Rs 200–250 in wholesale markets and Rs 300–350 in retail. Jasmine, kakada, kanakambara (crossandra), and tuberose have also become costlier, while marigold prices have dropped due to adequate supply.
“Rains damaged rose crops, leading to a price rise. On the other hand, restrictions on vehicle parking at KR Market have reduced business by nearly 50%,” said GN Divakar, president of the KR Market Wholesale Flower Merchants’ Association.
KR Market wholesale flower rates (per kg):
Jasmine: Rs 400–800
Rose: Rs 300
Kakada: Rs 400
Kanakambara: Rs 1,000
Tuberose: Rs 120–300
Marigold: Rs 30–50
Fruits and vegetables see mixed trends
Hopcoms reported the following prices (per kg) for key fruits and vegetables:
Ash gourd: Rs 36
Pumpkin: Rs 40
Lemon: Rs 100
Beans: Rs 80
Drumstick: Rs 135
Tomato: Rs 26
Custard apple: Rs 80
Pomegranate: Rs 174
Elakki banana: Rs 75
Coconut (medium): Rs 54; Coconut (small): Rs 45
While tomatoes and marigolds have remained affordable, premium fruits like pomegranates and festive essentials like lemons and coconuts have seen significant price spikes.
As Bengaluru gears up for the festive season, households are feeling the pinch of higher prices, especially for essential puja items like ash gourds, roses, and lemons. Traders predict prices may climb further on the day of Ayudha Puja itself, but despite the rise, demand remains strong, with families unwilling to compromise on traditions.
