People grumbled that prices had gone through the roof this time compared to last year with jasmine flowers commanding around Rs.600 a kg, chrysanthemum over Rs.200 and marigold about Rs.100.
Prices of most of the vegetables ruled at over Rs.20 a kg from last year's prices. Fruits were also costly with a kg of apple costing Rs.90-Rs.160, banana over Rs.40 a kg and orange around Rs.50 a kg.
"We cut down on the quantity of flowers, fruits and vegetables to manage the day," said S. Uma, a housewife for whose family of four 'Ayudha Pooja' is a major festival.
"I think prices this Dasara are around 25 percent more than last year," she said. On the 'Ayudha Pooja' day, the ninth day of the Navaratri festival, various tools, including vehicles, are cleaned and worshipped. Houses are decorated with strings of fresh mango leaves.
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