With Ganesh festival round the corner, markets across the city are buzzing. Shops selling decorative items, electronic lighting systems and sweets sellers are witnessing a rush. But the rush at the specially set up counters offering Lord Ganesha idols is huge. Interestingly, the enthusiasm among the buyers is so high that they set aside the price hike of about 20-25 per cent of Lord Ganesha idols as compared to the previous year. The observers said that the conditions are favourable for such festivals. “The ten-day event is one of the major festivals for the people in Maharashtra and every one wants to make it memorable. People want to decorate their homes and buy attractive idols and they do not shy away from paying extra for it,” said one of the sellers.

 

Apart from this, the seller also said that most of the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals across the city have also decided to celebrate the festival with great zeal and enthusiasm. “We have municipal elections in the coming months due to which the Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Mandals are leaving no stone unturned to attract people,” he said on a condition of anonymity. Manoj Bind, one of the artisans based in Chitaroli, told The Hitavada on Saturday that there is increased demand for small and big idols as well. “We are offering from 2 to 15 feet tall idols starting from Rs 2,100 to Rs 51,000. Many people had booked the idols well in advance,” he said. Bablu Deotale, selling environment-friendly Ganesh idols made of Shadu clay, said there is a difference of about 25 per cent in the prices of idols. “But there is good demand for the idols and we hope to sell our complete lot of idols. People are very excited about the festival and they want to celebrate it with great fervour,” he said. In addition to this, the prices of decorative items and electronic lighting systems have also seen proportional hikes. but due to many innovative designs available in the markets, people are paying no need for the price hike.