Visakhapatnam:With beginning of the holy month of Shravana, fruits and flowers are the most sought after commodities at the rythu bazaars in Visakhapatnam, resulting in their prices climbing up sharply.

Buyers like B. Sravani at MVP Rythu Bazaar referred to the steep hike in flower prices; how the hybrid chrysanthemum prices have jumped from ₹400 a kg to ₹600 per kg within days.

However, coconuts and banana prices have remained steady despite the rush. Householder N. Arundhati described their price stability as comforting in an otherwise expensive market.

The bright Kanakambaralu, prized for their festive splendour, are being sold at elevated rates. “I love these flowers very much. But I can buy them only in small quantities,” said G. Sangeetha, reflecting devotees balancing their devotion with rising costs.

The week’s fruit prices underline the contrast between staples and luxury buys. Pomegranates eased slightly from ₹180 a kg to ₹150 per kg. Nagpur oranges have remained firm at ₹120. Grapes are showing volatility, with seedless ones climbing from ₹150 a kg to ₹160 per kg. Black seeded grapes have edged up from ₹90 a kg to ₹96 per kg. Kiwi has surged from ₹330 a kg to ₹380 per kg. Guavas have risen from ₹55 a kg to ₹60 per kg.

Flowers have seen the steepest hikes, with marigolds rising from ₹160 a kg to ₹200 per kg. Hybrid roses have nearly doubled from ₹280 a kg to ₹500 per kg. Traditional chrysanthemums have become dearer, climbing from ₹380 a kg to ₹600 per kg.

Vegetable prices present a mixed picture, with Maharashtra onions hardening from ₹40 a kg to ₹50 per kg. Farmer‑grown onions have leapt from ₹28 a kg to ₹50 per kg. Tomatoes dropping from ₹26 a kg to ₹20 per kg have brought some relief. Brinjal varieties are showing uneven movement. Garlic has firmed up while carrots prices are going downward.

The overall comparison highlights a market reshaped by Shravana Sukravaram rituals, where essentials like onions and garlic are becoming costlier, tomatoes have eased, and flowers have turned into luxury buys.

Traders at rythu bazaars say arrivals from neighbouring districts have been inconsistent, adding to the volatility. They point out that transport costs and weather disruptions have played a role in pushing up prices of imported fruits like kiwi and pears.

For devotees, the challenge is in balancing tradition with affordability, as puja offerings remain non‑negotiable even when prices soar.

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