Mysuru: It is the Bhadrapada month of the Hindu calendar for which the Hindus across the world eagerly wait. This is the time when people welcome Goddess Gowri and her son Lord Ganesha to their houses. While Gowri festival is celebrated on the third day of Bhadrapada month (Thrithiya) which falls on Aug. 24 (tomorrow), the Ganesh Festival is celebrated on Aug. 25 (Charthurthi), the next day.

Majority of the devotees bring the idols of both Gowri and Ganesha to their housea at an auspicious time in the evening. On the arrival of the idols, the women of the house perform aarthi and offer kumkum and flowers as a welcome ritual.

With the Gowri festival scheduled for the tomorrow, the city markets witnessed heavy rush. People were seen purchasing flowers, vegetables, puja and other materials at Devaraja Market, Vani Vilas Market, Mandi Market and at M.G. Road Market. While the men were busy purchasing flowers, vegetables and puja materials, women were seen buying bangles and other bagina items for the Gowri puja.

Prices of vegetables, fruits fall

Heavy rush was witnessed at the Devaraja market this morning with people from various parts of the city and surrounding villages thronging it.  The main entrance area of the market on the southern side, near the Dufferin Clock, was packed with vendors and customers. People were seen purchasing various items with happy faces as the prices of vegetables, fruits, flowers and others materials were affordable unlike the previous years where the prices had hit north.

The prices of various vegetables were, Tomato (Rs. 30/kg), Beans (Rs. 40/kg), Carrot (Rs. 30/kg), Potato (Rs. 20/kg), Onion (Rs. 40-50/kg) and Field Bean (Avarekai) (Rs. 50/kg). However, the prices of coriander and other greens had gone up with each bunch being sold at Rs. 10.  

The flower section at the Devaraja Market saw a heavy rush with vendors beckoning customers to purchase from their shops. Cossandra (Kanakambara) was sold at Rs. 100/meter, Jasmine (Mallige) Rs. 30/meter, Ooty Jasmine (Rs. 350/kg), Rose (Rs. 80 for ¼ kg), Daisy (Rs. 120/bunch), Gerbera (Rs. 60/bunch), Lotus (Rs. 10 each), Marigold (Rs. 30/kg) and Chrysanthemum (Rs. 50-Rs. 100/meter).

This apart, the Bamboo Winnower, which is used for Bagina, was sold at Rs. 50 to Rs. 120 per each pairs and Banana Stems were sold at Rs. 30 each pair. The idols of Goddess Gowri statues were sold at Rs. 20 to Rs. 200 each while the Lord Ganesha statue was sold at Rs. 50 to Rs. 700 each in the market.

The fruit vendors were also making merry with people purchasing fruits in large quantity to be used for both the festivals. The Elakki banana was sold at Rs. 120/kg, Apple (130/kg), Pomegranate (120/kg), Custard Apple (Rs. 120/kg), Grapes (Rs. 120/kg), Sweet Lemon (Mosambi – Rs. 60/kg), Wood Apple (Rs. 120 kg) and the mixed fruit basket was sold at Rs. 120 each.