Mangalore: Ashtami Dampener – Prices Soar, Buyers at Receiving End                                                                     
                                                                     
Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Sep 1: The city wears festive atmosphere on the occasion of Ashtami. The people are hard-pressed to stick to customs and perform puja and other formalities besides preparing delicacies as per traditions, for various festivals that have been lined up this season. While Ashtami is being celebrated on Wednesday September 1, Mosaru Kudike (Vittal Pindi) will be celebrated on on Thursday September 2. Vinayaka Chaturthi, Dasara, Diwali etc., are also to be celebrated shortly.

While markets are plush with items required for these festivals, their prices have soared to unimaginable extent. Sellers of different flowers from various places have descended on the city streets, doing a brisk business.  Sellers of chrysanthemums, Chendu flower, Kakada etc., are seen lining up vacant spots by the side of the roads. Compared to certain vegetables, the cost of flowers appears to be bearable.

Prices of Mude, cylindrical shapes made out of leaves, which are a must for the people living in the coast for all their festivals, have shot up. Prices had gone up last year too, but the consumers could get four Mudes for Rs 20 then, but this time, they have to shell out Rs 20 for three Mudes. The sellers say that they are compelled to pay higher prices for the raw materials, and have no other go but to jack up its prices.