Patna: With Chhath Puja 2026 approaching, markets across Patna have started witnessing a rush of shoppers purchasing essential items for the four-day festival. However, rising prices of groceries, dry fruits, ghee and clothing have increased the cost of festive preparations this year.
The four-day festival of Sun worship will begin on Friday with Nahay-Khay. Markets across the state capital, including Boring Road, Kadamkuan, Raja Bazaar, Rajapur Pul, Sabjibagh, Chiraiyatand, Postal Park, Anisabad, Kankarbagh, Chitkohra and Musallahpur Haat, have been decorated with temporary and permanent stalls.
While shoppers are busy purchasing ingredients for traditional offerings, many families are facing higher expenses compared to last year.
Chhath Prasad Becomes More Expensive
The rising prices of ingredients used to prepare traditional Chhath prasad have affected household budgets.
Wheat, raw rice, gram dal, gram, jaggery, dried coconut and dry fruits have become more expensive compared to the previous year. Raisins, dried dates and whole dried coconut have witnessed notable price increases.
These ingredients are commonly used to prepare thekua and other traditional offerings during Chhath Puja, making their price rise particularly significant for families.
Ghee Prices Touch Rs 800 per Kg in Patna
Ghee, one of the essential ingredients used in preparing Chhath prasad, has witnessed a considerable price increase.
Last year, ghee was available at approximately Rs 580–600 per kg. This year, its price has increased to Rs 655–800 per kg in the market.
The price of MP wheat has also increased from Rs 38–44 per kg last year to Rs 40–55 per kg this year.
Similarly, basmati rice, which was priced between Rs 125 and Rs 170 per kg last year, is now selling at Rs 150–180 per kg.
Raisins, Dates and Dry Coconut Also Become Costlier
Dry fruits and other ingredients used in Chhath offerings have also become more expensive.
Raisins, which were previously available at Rs 400 per kg, are now selling at Rs 500 per kg. Dried dates have increased from Rs 300 to Rs 350 per kg, while whole dried coconut has become costlier, rising from Rs 500 to Rs 550 per kg.
The price of gram dal has increased from Rs 80 to Rs 100 per kg, while gram is now selling at Rs 90 per kg compared to Rs 80 last year.
Jaggery prices have also increased by Rs 6 per kg.
Chhath Puja 2026: Last Year’s vs Current Market Prices
Here is a comparison of the prices of essential items used during Chhath Puja in Patna:
| Puja item | Last year’s price | Current price |
|---|---|---|
| MP Wheat | Rs 38–44/kg | Rs 40–55/kg |
| Basmati Rice | Rs 125–170/kg | Rs 150–180/kg |
| Ghee | Rs 580–600/kg | Rs 655–800/kg |
| Raisins | Rs 400/kg | Rs 500/kg |
| Dried Dates | Rs 300/kg | Rs 350/kg |
| Whole Dried Coconut | Rs 500/kg | Rs 550/kg |
| Gram Dal | Rs 80/kg | Rs 100/kg |
| Gram | Rs 80/kg | Rs 90/kg |
Festive Shopping Puts Additional Pressure on Household Budgets
With prices of essential grocery items and prasad ingredients rising, families preparing for Chhath Puja are having to spend more than they did last year.
The increase is being felt across several categories, from ingredients used in traditional offerings to everyday festive shopping. As devotees continue visiting markets ahead of Nahay-Khay, the rising cost of essential items has become a major concern for household budgets.
