Gowri festival sparks rush at KR Market, prices of flowers, fruits shoot up

With the Gowri festival set to be celebrated on Friday, KR Market, the main market in the city, witnessed a surge of shoppers out to purchase festive essentials. Along with the festive rush, a noticeable increase in the prices of flowers and fruits has been observed, mirroring the trend from previous years.

Flower prices have seen a sharp rise, with Kanakambaram (Crossandra infundibuliformis) priced at Rs 300 per kg, Earlier it was priced at around Rs 250. Jasmine is selling at Rs 600 per kg, Rose at Rs 250 per kg, while Gandhraj flowers are available for Rs 240 per kg. Fruits have also seen a significant price jump with apples costing Rs 120 to Rs 200 per kg, pomegranates priced at Rs 160 per kg (previously Rs 100), and bananas at Rs 120 per kg (previously Rs 80). Custard apples and sapota are priced at Rs 100 per kg, grapes range from Rs 120 to Rs 200 per kg, and pineapples are Rs 100 to Rs 120 for two.

Additionally, banana sets for pooja are being sold at Rs 60. Other festival items such as mango leaf bunches cost Rs 20, Immense sticks Rs 30 each, Bilvapatra, Rs 20, and Ekkada Hara (Calotropis flower garland) between Rs 50 and Rs 60 for 1 metre. Despite the price hikes, the festive spirit remains high as people flock to the market to prepare for the celebrations.