Pune: With Goddess Gauri's arrival on Tuesday (September 10), Pune's markets are buzzing with activity as people scramble to buy essential items for the festival.
Women are particularly drawn to the eye-catching Gauri Mukhavta (mask), which come in a variety of styles and materials. From traditional clay mukhavta to the latest fabric and fiber options, these masks are available at prices ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000.
This year, the new Gauri mukhavta featuring turbans have become a popular choice, making them even more appealing to buyers.
Alongside the mukhavta, ready-made sarees and jewelry are in high demand. A new trend this year is the "Amravati pattern" Gauri idols, which have hit the market with intricate designs and detailed craftsmanship. These idols are priced between ₹2,000 and ₹8,000, depending on size and detail.
Jewelry sellers are also reporting a surge in demand. New designs in traditional jewelry, including pearl necklaces, ear ornaments, and the classic "Thushi," are available for festival shoppers.
Gold-plated jewelry sets, weighing as little as one gram, are priced up to ₹6,000, while Bentex sets are available for around ₹3,000. According to vendor Kishori Dabhade, there has been an increasing demand for both modern and traditional designs, catering to the diverse tastes of festival-goers.
Floral Prices on the Rise
In addition to masks and idols, flowers are an essential part of the Gauri festival decorations. Popular flowers like marigolds, chrysanthemums, gerberas, Dutch roses, carnations, orchids, and gladiolus are in high demand, leading to a noticeable increase in their prices.
According to Sagar Bhosale, a flower trader at Market Yard, the surge in demand has resulted in rising flower prices, with buyers flocking to the market from across the city and its suburbs.
Fruits in High Demand for Offerings
Fruits such as bananas, apples, guavas, sapodillas (chikoo), custard apples, and pomegranates are also experiencing a surge in demand, as they are key components of the festival offerings.
Traders expect the demand for fruits, especially apples and bananas, to remain strong throughout the festival period, particularly for use in religious offerings.