As Navaratri celebrations begin, Chennai is seeing a sharp rise in the prices of fruits and vegetables, adding pressure on household budgets. This annual festival, which involves preparing special meals, offerings, and poojas, has driven up demand, resulting in inflated prices across markets.
A vendor at Koyambedu market said, “The demand for fruits and vegetables always increases during Navaratri, but this year, the price hike is sharper due to limited supply. Prices might stay high for a few more days.”
A local shopper, Ramesh, noted, “I come to the market every Navaratri, but this time the prices have really shot up. It’s difficult to buy everything for poojas and still manage within the budget.”
Another vendor mentioned, “The rains and transport issues have affected supply. We are expecting a steady demand, so prices are likely to remain high throughout the festival.”
While the surge in prices has dampened some spirits, shoppers are hopeful that prices will ease toward the end of the festival. Some are also turning to local markets for cheaper, seasonal alternatives, though the festive buzz in Chennai’s bustling markets remains strong.