Ranchi: Markets across the city witnessed a festive price surge on Mahashivratri as devotees thronged shops to buy fruits and puja essentials from early in the morning. From Upper Bazaar to Main Road and markets in the neighbourhood, vendors reported brisk sales, with several items flying off the shelves by afternoon. Fruit sellers said bananas and apples were in high demand. Bananas were sold at Rs 60 per dozen, while apples were priced between Rs 120 and Rs 180 per kg, depending on the quality. Jujube (ber), traditionally offered during the festival, was sold at Rs 10 per 100 gram, translating to around Rs 100 per kg.“Since morning, fruits have been sold continuously. By noon, most of the fresh stock was almost gone. On Mahashivratri, devotees prefer to buy fresh fruits for offering, so sales are always strong,” said Sadam, a fruit vendor at Lalpur. Bel leaves, considered sacred for Lord Shiva, were sold at Rs 20 per bundle, while datura flowers were priced at Rs 5 each. Flower packets were available at Rs 10, and garlands also recorded a good demand. Shopkeepers said the sale of bel patra (bilva leaves) and flower malas remained steady throughout the day.Puja paraphernalia such as vermilion (sindoor), sacred red powder (roli), milk, incense sticks, and camphor were also in high demand. Dairy counters reported continuous sales of milk packets for the ‘jalabhishek’ rituals. Temporary stalls set up near major temples added to the commercial activity, drawing a steady footfall. “There is a different energy in the market on Mahashivratri altogether. People are buying fruits, flowers, and puja items together. By afternoon, we restocked twice,” said Sunil Kumar, a shopkeeper at a Shiv temple in Lalpur.With devotional chants echoing across the city, Ranchi’s markets reflected the spiritual enthusiasm, as faith translated into vibrant festive buying and selling.
