Patna: The prices of Pumpkin and several other vegetables are comparatively lesser this Chhath festival, providing a sigh of relief to devotees.
The much anticipated Chhath Puja started with the Nahay-Khay ritual on Friday, wherein devotees embarked on the four-day celebration by consuming Prasad comprising Arwa rice, gram dal, and pumpkin vegetable.
Pumpkin is quite significant in the Nahay-Khay rituals as it is the main ingredient in making the Prasad. Despite last year’s pumpkin prices soaring to Rs 70 to Rs 80 per kg, this year witnesses a drastic drop, with prices ranging from Rs 20 to 30 per kg at few vegetable markets in Patna.
A shopkeeper at Anta Ghat attributes the reduced prices to increased pumpkin yield, citing the absence of floods as a contributing factor. He emphasized that, regardless of potential price hikes, vendors strive to keep costs low, ensuring accessibility for buyers. He underscored the importance of purchasing pumpkins before the Chhath festival, as they hold special significance for pre-festival rituals.
A customer Meenakshi Pandey expressed satisfaction with the market’s affordability, especially noting the special importance of pumpkins used in Prasad. Pandey observed a considerable drop in prices compared to the previous year, making it more accessible for people across different economic strata. She reflected on the festival’s profound purity and significance.
As Chhath Puja unfolds, women adhering to Chhath fast traditions commenced their day with a morning bath, donning new attire. The ritual of creating Prasad, consisting of pumpkin (gourd) and rice, marks the initiation of the Chhath fast, highlighting the cultural and spiritual richness embedded in the festival’s practices.
