Mysuru: A day ahead of Varamahalakshmi festival (Aug. 21), all the city markets were flooded with festival shoppers since this morning.

As the demand surged, the prices of fruits, flowers and other essential articles for the festival increased multi-fold. But this did not seem to deter the shoppers who were seen buying items, albeit on a lesser quantity.

Though the weather remained cloudy since early morning, followed by the start of rains from 11.20 am, the crowds at the markets remained steady, with shoppers making festival purchases.  

Devaraja Market in the heart of the city, Vani Vilas Market at Agrahara Circle and Mandi Market in Mandi Mohalla are the three major markets in city which were bustling with shoppers. As usual, the road side and push cart vendors around Chikka Gadiyara too did business.

Prices of most flowers have gone up considerably, with lotus selling at Rs. 30 to Rs. 50 a piece, a metre of Kanakambara was sold at Rs. 400, Chrysanthemum at Rs. 80 to Rs. 150 for an arm’s length, Sugandharaja at Rs. 120 for an arm’s length and Rose at  Rs. 300 a kg.

Varamahalakshmi Vratam is dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi, the giver of wealth and boons. It falls on the Friday before the full moon in the month of Shravana (July-August). Married women observe fasts and prayers for well-being of their family.

Goddesss Lakshmi mask, made of German silver, cost anywhere between Rs. 450 and Rs. 1,500 depending upon the quality and size.

Price of fruits too have soared with Apple selling at Rs. 200 a kg, Pomegranate at Rs. 240 a kg, Orange at Rs. 160 a kg, Pineapple at Rs. 80 a kg, Mosambi at Rs. 100 a kg, Elakki Banana at Rs. 150 a kg. A pair of banana stem, widely used during the festival, cost between Rs. 30 and Rs. 50.