Markets bustle with last-minute Vinayaka Chavithi shoppers

Markets across Visakhapatnam witnessed heavy rush on Sunday as residents made last-minute purchases of flowers, fruits, puja materials, decorative items and Ganesh idols ahead of Vinayaka Chavithi celebrations.

Major markets, including Poorna Market, Old Gajuwaka, Akkayyapalem, China Waltair, and Duvvada remained crowded throughout the day. The Anandapuram flower market also witnessed a rush, as a large number of people arrived to purchase flowers and other puja requirements, leading to heavy traffic congestion in the vicinity.

Flowers, fruits and decorative leaves were among the major purchases made by people. Vendors reported brisk business. However, some customers said that prices of fruits and flowers had increased, ahead of the festival.

Clay and Plaster-of-Paris Ganesh idols were available at various locations, with prices ranging from ₹50 to ₹5,000. Decorative umbrellas, which have become a popular item for adorning homes and Ganesh pandals, were among the sought-after items. Vendors were selling the colourful umbrellas at around ₹30 each.

Several roads and commercial areas remained relatively deserted in the afternoon as people stayed indoors amid the weather conditions. However, activity picked up in the evening as families and organisers of community pandals visited idol-making and sales points to select Ganesh idols and were seen transporting idols to their homes and pandals.

Rain affected preparations at some large Ganesh pandals in the morning, forcing organisers to slow down or temporarily halt final decoration works. However, as the rain subsided in the evening, workers and organisers stepped up preparations to ready the pandals for the celebrations.