Belagavi buyers face 10% surge in prices for Ganeshotsav festive decor

Belagavi: Ahead of the 11-day-long Ganeshotsav, which is celebrated grandly in Belagavi city, markets are bustling with activities. However, when compared to last year, the rates of decorative materials have increased by almost 10%. According to vendors, the price hike hasn’t affected the sale of materials.
Ganeshotsava, which was gloomy last year due to drought, is being celebrated with enthusiasm this time.In 1905, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak came to Belagavi city and initiated the Ganeshotsava festival, and the first public Ganesha idol was installed in Raviwar Peth. The festival, which started on a small scale, has now become huge and is attracting the attention of the country. Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated with vigour and cheerfulness and has never lost its glory. People of all ages celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with gusto.

As Ganesha festival provides a platform for worship and entertainment, the expenses are high. Almost everyone buys new clothes, decorative items, and vehicles, and there is already a market to cater to people’s needs.
A variety of decorative items have been launched in the market, attracting customers. Decorative garlands, various electric lights, string flowers, bouquets, designed thermocol, coloured sheets, and rangolis are in high demand in the market. Sales of decorative items have been brisk in many shops. Many people are preferring to buy electrical decorative items, LED focus lights and laser lights.
Eco-friendly Ganesha idols and PoP idols have arrived in the market and are attracting attention of buyers. Most of the public Ganeshotsav mandals are going to install taller and larger idols this time than in the last two years.
Vikram, a trader, said that the demand for plaster of paris (PoP) Ganesha idols has increased this time and the price has increased by 20 to 25%. The price of clay Ganesha idols is 10 to 15% higher than last time. The prices of decorative items, worship materials, and electrical appliances are 10 to 25% higher this time.
Parashu Patil, a sculptor, said that the price of Ganesh idols has increased due to the increase in the price of raw materials like PoP, iron, paint, coconut fibre, and other raw materials. Rohit J, a resident of Shahunagar, said that apart from the people from different parts of Belagavi district, people from the neighbouring states of Goa and Maharashtra are also visiting the city to shop for the festival.
Vikas Kalaghatagi, an office bearer of the public Madhyavarthi Ganeshotsava Mahamandal, said that this time more than 390 Ganesha idols are being installed under Belagavi city limits. There will be 12 to 25-feet-high idols.
Mohammad Roshan, deputy commissioner of Belagavi, said that the district administration has instructed the police department to make suitable arrangements as huge amount of business is done in the markets during Ganeshotsav.