Markets in the city were abuzz with activity on the eve of Vinayaka Chaviti on Thursday. Heavy rain didn’t dampen the spirit and enthusiasm of devotees, who went to buy Vinayaaka idols in various markets.
Undeterred by cloudy weather and rain, people thronged Kaleswara Rao Market, Patamata, Kothavanthena Centre on Eluru Road, Government Press Road, and Besant Road, which were jam packed with the buyers and hawkers.
Miniature temples, crowns, thrones to seat the Vinayaka idols, and an array of varied decorative items are some of the items that are most sought after. Environmentalists vouching for eco-freindly Vinayaka have a reason to cheer this season. It is evident that people are switching over to clay idols. Though there are idols made of plaster of Paris, most of the buyers preferred clay ones.
The creative hands of the artists have come up with various Vinayaka idols. The idols are being sold at anywhere between ₹50 and ₹400. The idols which are priced between ₹40 and ₹100 are being preferred by children, who want to celebrate an eco-friendly festival.
The prices of other essentials, however, have skyrocketed and are beyond of reach of common man. The price of ‘patri’, a must for Vinayaka puja, has touched ₹70. Not to mention the prices of fruits. Banana is sold at ₹50 per dozen; while an apple is sold at ₹20 to ₹25, and custard apple at ₹40 to ₹50 depending upon the size. The traders, however, slashed the prices of patri by evening as it began pouring. It was sold at around ₹50.
“The festival is an occasion of great joy and enthusiasm. But, the soaring prices have played spoilsport,” says, Gauri, a homemaker.