Kalaburagi, 21 Oct

The city is glowing with festive spirit as residents gear up to celebrate Deepavali with grandeur. Over the past two days, major markets witnessed a massive shopping rush for new clothes, decorative items, clay lamps, sweets, and sky lanterns.

Super Market, Kanni Market, Ram Mandir Circle, Aland Naka, and Kharge Petrol Bunk Circle were packed with shoppers buying sugarcane, banana stems, pumpkins, flowers, fruits, and other items required for Lakshmi Puja. Traffic congestion persisted throughout the day as crowds thronged the supermarket area.

Prices and offerings

Apples sold at Rs 100 for 4–5 pieces, chikoo at Rs 100 per kg, custard apples at Rs 50 for six, and bananas ranged from Rs 30–Rs 100 per dozen. Marigold flowers, priced between Rs 80–120 per kg, dominated the market, while chrysanthemums touched Rs 300 and roses Rs 400 per kg.

“Demand for marigolds is the highest as people decorate homes and vehicles,” said vendor Mastan Ali Phoolwale. Pumpkins from Solapur cost Rs 60–200 each, depending on size and quality, traders said.

Decorations and Pooja essentials

Clay lamps and imported decorative diyas in unique shapes—such as elephant motifs and five-wick designs—were in high demand. “Diwali is our biggest festival. We bought new clothes, flowers, and puja materials for Lakshmi Puja. Prices are fairly reasonable this year,” said local Rajkumar Jadhav.