With the progression of Navratri, along with religious enthusiasm demand for fruits and flowers has also picked up even if Wednesday being the fifth day of the festival, ‘Skandh Mata’ form of Goddess Durga was worshipped by devotees.
Notably, Navratri being a vrat during which devotees observe fast due to which demand for fruits like Sev (Apple), Anaar (Pomegranate), Mosambi (Sweet lemon), Kela (Banana) has picked up leading to hike in their prices. In markets apple is sold at the rate of Rs 80 to 100 per kg, Chakri Sev at the rate of Rs 65 per kg, Mosambi/orange at the rate of Rs 40 per kg, Pomegranate at Rs 140 per kg, water melon Rs 40 per kg, Papaya at Rs 30 per kg whereas Banana is sold Rs 40 per dozen. Prices of coconut, an exclusive item offered to the deity, has also gone up. Earlier it was sold Rs 8-10 per piece but presently its price ranges from Rs 15 to 20.
Prices of Sabudana and Singhada chiefly used for falahaar by devotees have also seen remarkable increases. However, prices of dry fruits did not witness much hikes. According to Main Road located dry fruit shop owner Devichand, dry fruits prices remained more or less unchanged even during the festival as hike in dry fruit prices is generally seen during winter season.
Demand for flower, the most common article used for worshipping deity, has increased tremendously forcing the flower traders to bring the commodity from other States. In Jagdalpur, specially flower is needed in excess to decorate the huge Phool Rath which traverses the city on eight out of nine days of Navratri.
Presently, flower for Jagdalpur is brought from Bengaluru as demand for Marigold, jasmine, rose and other species surpassed the local supply. Marigold flower is sold at the rate of Rs 80 per kg while its garland is sold at Rs 30-40. Jusmine and other light species flowers are sold at Rs 150-200 whereas rose and lotus are sold at Rs 5 a piece.