Janmashtami fervour grips state, markets abuzz despite price rise

Ranchi/Jamshedpur: After a two-year Covid-induced hiatus, markets in Ranchi and Jamshedpur were abuzz as sale of puja items registered a sharp rise on the occasion of Janmashtami which was celebrated in the city with much fervour.
Anita Agarwal, owner of Agarwal Trading Store in Upper Bazar, said, “The prices of every decorative item have increased by 15 to 20% but there is no dearth of supply or demand. After last two years, this season the demand has soared again.”
Arun Kumar, owner of Krishna Puja Store at Kokar, said, “We anticipated a huge footfall on the event of Janmashtami after a two-year hiatus. So, we had opened our shop at 8:00 am. Since morning, we have entertaining more customers than usual.”
In Jamshedpur, too, vendors are upbeat about the rise in sale of puja decorative items.
“With all Covid-19 related curbs lifted, people are visiting temples to observe rituals. This has led to a boost in sales,” Kadma-based vendor Madan Sahu said.
“The sale of dress for Lord Krishna on the occasion of Janmashtami has increased considerably compared to last couple of years. We are hopeful that the current trend of business continues till Ganesh and Vishwakarma pujas as well,” Vijay Kumar, another vendor who runs a stall near Rankini Temple, said.
The Shri Radha Krishna temple at Refugee Colony in Golmuri, Krishna temple at Surya mandir in Agrico, Krishna temple at ABS Rama Mandiran in Bistupur, Iskon Krishna temple in Cable town, Golmuri, among other temples, witnessed long queues of devotees on the occasion of Janmashtami on Friday.
“The midnight rituals of the deity will start late evening. We are expecting encouraging turnout of devotees and enthusiasts," Rama Mandiran functionary Jami Bhaskar said. Buoyed by the impressive sales, traders have ordered advance booking of puja items for the Sharadiya Navaratra.