Flower vendors at a market in Belagavi
Belagavi : Belagavi markets witnessed heavy crowds on Monday as residents made last-minute purchases ahead of Ayudha Puja and Vijayadashami celebrations on Tuesday.
Marigold prices had risen to Rs 80-Rs 90 per kg, while prices of almost all flower varieties had increased. Because of limited parking space, two-wheeler riders faced difficulties. Traders reported brisk business as families prepared for the celebrations and expected shopping to continue until Tuesday evening. Stay updated with the latest Hubballi news.
Maruti Vadder, a florist from Chachadi village in Savadatti taluk, said marigolds grown in village fields had been brought for sale. Shoppers thronged Khade Bazaar, Maruti Galli, Ganapati Galli and Shahapur market for new clothes, costumes, jewellery, vehicles, household goods and puja materials. Sales of flowers, fruits, bananas, sugarcane and other puja materials increased, along with demand for grey pumpkin, or ash gourd, used in puja. Flower and fruit prices rose, while vegetable prices remained unchanged. Furniture, clothing and decorative-item stores also advertised discounted sales ahead of Dussehra and Diwali . Belagavi district is self-sufficient in flower and vegetable cultivation, while fruits are supplied to the city and other towns from Vijayapura, Bagalkot and areas around Athani. Pomegranates, bananas, sapota and lemons arrive in large quantities from Vijayapura and Bagalkot districts. Vijayapura, a leading lemon-growing district, also supplies lemons to towns across the country. Vehicular traffic on major roads in Belagavi city increased over the past two days, causing disruption. Devotees also visited temples across Belagavi district in large numbers, including Savadatti Yallamma temple, Kakkeri Bishtadevi temple and Chinchali Mayakka temple. Download the TOI App.