Jamshedpur, India: With Chhath Puja round the corner, fruit markets in Jamshedpur are bustling with activity as devotees prepare for this revered festival dedicated to Sun God. The celebration, which requires specific fruits as offerings, has caused a noticeable spike in demand, leading to increased market footfall and higher prices. For over a week, prices have been climbing, with no signs of stabilizing yet.
High Demand for Specific Fruits
Bananas, coconuts, apples, oranges, pomegranates, and grapes are in high demand due to their religious significance during Chhath Puja. Many families buy these fruits well in advance to avoid the last-minute rush and the potential for even higher prices.
The impact on prices has been considerable. Bananas, which usually sell for Rs. 30 per dozen, are now priced at Rs. 50 per dozen, with a full bunch costing up to Rs. 1,500. Coconuts have increased by Rs. 20 per piece, while apples range from Rs. 120 to Rs. 180 per kg, pomegranates from Rs. 100 to Rs. 150 per kg, and grapes from Rs. 90 to Rs. 120 per kg. Overall, Jamshedpur’s fruit prices have surged by 20–30% in the lead-up to Chhath Puja.
Traders Explain Price Hike
Local fruit traders explain that this sudden demand increase has naturally led to higher prices. Many are importing fruits from other states, which incurs additional transportation costs. “The demand for fresh fruit during Chhath Puja is so high that we often need to source it from outside regions, which adds to transport and storage expenses,” said Ashok Gupta, a local fruit vendor.
Mixed Reactions from Customers
The rising prices have sparked mixed reactions among customers. Some consider it a seasonal trend, while others see it as an unfair advantage taken by traders. “We buy fruits for this festival every year, but the prices feel higher this time. It’s unavoidable due to the festival, or else we would have waited,” said Laxmi Devi, a shopper.
Meanwhile, Manoj Kumar, another customer, called for government action to regulate prices during major festivals. “Whenever there’s a festival, the prices for essential goods seem to go up, causing inconvenience. The government should intervene and control this,” he said.
Crowd Control and Security Measures
Anticipating heavy foot traffic in fruit markets, the administration has deployed police and civil defense teams to ensure crowd control and safety, especially in key markets like Bistupur, Sakchi, Mango, and Jugsalai. “Our team is deployed to manage the crowds. We are prioritizing safety during this busy festive period,” said a police official overseeing the arrangements.
Supply Chain and Price Challenges
Recent heavy rains in some regions have affected fruit crops, impacting market supply. Traders report that this has further driven up prices and warn that costs may rise further if supplies don’t arrive promptly. “We’re working hard to maintain supply. The crop damage in certain areas has created some challenges, but we’re doing our best to prevent shortages,” explained Rajesh Sinha, president of the Fruit Traders Association.
Appeal from Local Administration
In light of the situation, local authorities have appealed to traders to keep prices reasonable and prevent an undue financial burden on the public. Officials say they are closely monitoring market activity and will take necessary steps if required. “Chhath Puja is a significant festival for our community, and we want all devotees to prepare without stress. The police are maintaining vigilance, and we expect everyone to cooperate,” said the SSP of Jamshedpur.
Expected Price Stabilization Post-Festival
Market experts anticipate that fruit prices will normalize after Chhath Puja as the balance between supply and demand is restored. Until then, consumers may continue to face elevated prices due to the festival rush.
In summary, Chhath Puja preparations have infused energy into Jamshedpur’s fruit markets but have also resulted in a steep price increase for essential fruits. Despite efforts by both the administration and traders to manage the situation, residents may have to endure high prices for a few more days.
उदित वाणी 
टेलीग्राम पर भी उपलब्ध है। यहां क्लिक करके आप सब्सक्राइब कर सकते हैं।