Spirits soar on the eve of festival

The intermittent rains might have dampened the city road but not the enthusiasm and spirits of the Mysoreans on the eve of ‘Ganesh Chaturthi’ on Tuesday.

 The sound of Vidyaganapathi ki jai... Lakshmi ganapathi ki jai... reverberated in the city especially the market areas where the idol makers were doing roaring business.

Hordes of people both young and old thronged the place to select the ‘Ganapa’ of their choice that matches their pockets. While majority were inclined towards buying painted idols the awareness created by the district administration seem to have worked as people were spotted buying clay idols too.

While the associations and mandalis were selecting huge coloured idols, homemakers were keen on buying colourless eco-friendly Gowri and Ganesha idols.

The prices of flowers which had soared on Monday due to Gowri festival that fell on Tuesday was slightly reduced by afternoon as the chrysanthemum was sold at Rs 25 per metre. Jasmine was sold at Rs 240 per kg, marigold at Rs 20 per kg.

The fruits, especially the wood apple and custard apples were in demand and was sold at the rates of Simla apples. Banana was available at Rs 30 per kg, apples at Rs 90 to Rs 120 depending on the size and variety.

Vendors on push carts were continuing their business amid the stagnant water in the market trying to make some quick money.

Persons selling banana stalks and mango leaves which is used to decorate the houses too were doing good business on major points of the city.

But the costs of pulses and grams have increased by Rs 2 to Rs 3 per kg and sugar was sold at Rs 40 per kg, giving a shock to the shoppers. The traders cite helplessness and
related the price rise to the hike in diesel prices.

It has become inevitable for the truck owners to increase the fare per load which includes vegetables and other essential products due to rise in diesel prices, which is having an impact on the general public who are already choking with inflation. Meanwhile, the temples were abuzz with activity as womenfolk were seen thronging the place to offer prayers and seek blessings for prosperity, peace and happiness on Gowri festival day.