HT Digital
Wednesday, October 16: As the city of Guwahati prepares for Lakshmi Puja, the festive spirit has been noticeably dampened by the steep rise in prices of essential commodities. The increase in the cost of goods has left both sellers and buyers feeling the pinch, with many expressing concern over the effects on their festive celebrations. Business owners are struggling with slow sales, while consumers are facing the burden of inflated prices, forcing many to scale back their purchases or limit their celebrations.
In the days leading up to the festival, several markets in Guwahati, including the popular Fancy Bazar, saw a sluggish start to sales. Business owners are hopeful that foot traffic and purchasing will pick up as the festival day approaches, but the initial turnout has been discouraging. The rising prices of goods like flowers, fruits, and other essential items typically used for puja offerings have deterred many shoppers from spending as freely as they might have in previous years.
Buyers have voiced their frustration with the constant price hikes that seem to coincide with major festivals, adding an extra burden to their household budgets. Many residents have reported being forced to rethink their shopping habits. For some, like Triparna Mandal, a resident of Cycle Factory in Guwahati, the excitement of the festival has been overshadowed by the financial strain. “Due to this price increase, I am not excited for this puja. However, I will buy the essentials on the day of the festival,” Mandal said. Like her, many others have decided to cut back, only purchasing what they deem absolutely necessary for the celebrations.
The flower market in Fancy Bazar has been a clear reflection of the price surge. Popular flowers, including lotus, roses, and marigolds, are available but at significantly higher prices than earlier in the year. A single lotus flower, which used to be priced at Rs 10 just eight months ago, now costs between Rs 15 and Rs 20. Similarly, the price of a single rose has doubled from Rs 10 to Rs 20, while a full bouquet now costs as much as Rs 300. Raja Ram Malakar, president of the Brihattar Guwahati Phool Mali Association, attributed the steep price increase to several factors, including the sourcing of flowers from outside states like Kolkata and Bengaluru. The heavy rains in these regions have negatively impacted flower cultivation, leading to shortages. Additionally, the rising transportation costs have also played a significant role in the price hike.
The fruit market has also been hit hard by the increased costs, with many customers holding back on their purchases. Apples, bananas, pears, and guavas, which are typically in high demand during Lakshmi Puja, have seen a noticeable rise in prices. Manu Kumar, a fruit seller at Fancy Bazar, noted that the price of apples, for example, has risen from Rs 120 per kilo before the festival to Rs 140 now. Similarly, pears and guavas, which were previously sold for less than Rs 130 per kilo, now stand at Rs 160. Kumar mentioned that while the demand for these fruits remains high during the puja, many customers have expressed dissatisfaction with the price surge and are buying in smaller quantities. He added that prices are expected to decrease after the festival ends, but the current rates have already impacted their business.
The overall sentiment among both sellers and buyers is one of disappointment. The festive season, typically a time of joy and celebration, has been marred by the economic challenges brought on by inflation and supply chain disruptions. Many business owners are hopeful that the post-puja period will bring some relief with a drop in prices, while consumers are looking forward to more affordable shopping options. In the meantime, Guwahati’s residents continue to navigate the complexities of celebrating one of the most important festivals of the year amid financial strain.
