High prices dampen festive spirits in the City

High prices dampen festive spirits in the City

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, September 17, 2015: In many parts and corners of the city vendors were seen selling leaves, banana stems and flowers in paricular.  Exorbitant prices of flowers did not seem to  deter the buyers. Chrysanthemum, which was sold at Rs 30 per metre a few days ago, was sold at Rs 80 on Sept 16.  Another variety of chrysanthemum was sold at Rs 40 per 100 gm, shocking the buyers. Yet the demand was big and people moved all over to get their requirements.

 

Kanakambara was priced at Rs 70 per metre, jasmine Rs 100, kakkada at Rs 50 per metre and button roses at Rs 240 per kg. The only flower that was found cheaper was marigold, sold at Rs 20 per kg.  Dahlia, which is usually sold during the festival, was rare and priced at Rs 10 per piece and while red roses were available at Rs 5 per piece.

‘Garike Hullu’ or Bermuda grass that is usually found by the roadsides were in great demand, as it is believed to have a strong connection with the Lord Ganesha. Boys were seen plucking the grass in parks and on vacant lands, cleaning it and making it into a bunch for sale, making some quick money. Each bunch was sold at Rs 10.

A bunch of greens comprising stems of mango, guava, custard apple and wood apple was sold at Rs 20. While some bought it to follow tradition, some chose to skip it.

The crowd was seen thronging shops selling snacks like karjikai, rava laddu, chakli, kodubele, obbattu and others and each cover comprising five numbers cost between Rs 20 to Rs 50, bringing a sigh of relief among women, who were spared of toiling in the kitchen for hours of preparation.  On the whole, Gowri and Ganesha festivals have brought smiles on the faces of vendors, who have been carrying on brisk business since a couple of days.