Mysuru: With the Gowri-Ganesha festival set to be celebrated on September 14, markets across the city witnessed a heavy rush as residents made last-minute purchases of flowers, fruits, vegetables, puja articles, clothes and decorative items. Devaraja, Mandi and Vani Vilas markets, along with readymade garment and textile showrooms, saw shoppers turning up in large numbers ahead of the festival.
Last-minute shopping picks up across Mysuru
The festive atmosphere was evident in several parts of the city as families stepped out to complete their preparations for the celebrations. Shops selling traditional puja materials, flowers and clay idols of Goddess Gowri and Lord Ganesha reported brisk business.
Women were particularly seen purchasing puja articles and other items required for the festival. Decorative flowers, door hangings, saffron flags and shawls carrying images of Lord Ganesha were also among the items in demand.
The rush was particularly visible in some of Mysuru’s prominent markets, where people were making their final purchases before the festival.
Flower prices rise ahead of festival
The increase in demand has also pushed up prices of several flowers. Chrysanthemum, locally known as Sevanthige, was being sold at around ₹100 to ₹120 per standard length.
Mysuru Mallige was priced at ₹300 for 250 grams, while Kanakambra and Kakada were selling at ₹100 for 100 grams each. Marigold prices ranged between ₹80 and ₹100 per kg.
Roses were available for ₹30 to ₹40 each, while lotus flowers were priced at ₹30 to ₹40 per pair. Banana stems, which are commonly used during traditional festivities, were selling at ₹30 to ₹50 per pair.
Fruits and vegetables also see higher prices
Fruit prices have also increased ahead of the celebrations. Apples were being sold for ₹280 to ₹300 per kg, while pomegranates were priced between ₹250 and ₹300 per kg.
Pineapples were available at ₹60 to ₹80 per kg, while elakki bananas were selling for ₹100 to ₹150 per kg. Coconuts, an important part of festival rituals, were priced between ₹30 and ₹40 each depending on their size.
Vegetable prices were also reported to be on the higher side. With several households shopping for ingredients and puja requirements, consumers were seen comparing prices and choosing more affordable options.
Clay idols and festive decorations in demand
The demand for traditional clay idols was another notable feature of the pre-festival shopping rush. Shops selling clay idols of Gowri and Ganesha witnessed brisk business as families prepared to install the idols at home.
Alongside idols, decorative products were attracting shoppers looking to add a festive touch to their homes. Flowers, door decorations, saffron flags and Ganesha-themed shawls were among the items being purchased.
The rush reflects the traditional importance attached to Gowri-Ganesha celebrations in Mysuru, with families completing their preparations a day before the festival.
Mysuru prepares for Gowri-Ganesha celebrations
The festival is scheduled to be celebrated across Mysuru on September 14, with households making arrangements for rituals, idol installation and puja.
The last-minute rush in markets has brought a festive atmosphere to the city, while the increase in prices of flowers, fruits and vegetables has added to the cost of preparations for families.
With shoppers continuing to visit markets for essential festival items, commercial areas across Mysuru are expected to remain busy as residents complete their final purchases before the celebrations.