Varalakshmi Vratam Rush Triggers Snarl Around Gudimalkapur, Other Markets
Varalakshmi Vratam preparations drew heavy crowds and traffic congestion at Gudimalkapur, Badi Chowdi and other Hyderabad markets as shoppers bought puja items.
Hyderabad’s Gudimalkapur market witnessed heavy crowds and congestion due to vehicular traffic on Thursday as devotees shopped ahead of Varalakshmi Vratam. The festival, observed by many women, led to a rush for purchase of flowers, fruits, coconuts and other items needed for the rituals.
The market was packed with shoppers from early hours, with people arriving from different parts of the city, to buy flowers and other puja materials.
The large number of visitors and vehicles resulted in slow moving traffic and congestion on roads around the market.
Several other flower and commercial markets in the city also saw similar crowds as people made preparations for the festival. Badi Chowdi, which remains usually crowded on a normal day, saw more congestion around the market and its adjoining roads.
Although some assumed that the traffic around the Gudimalkapur market was due to issues related to the potential relocation of the market, the traffic was largely related to the Varalakshmi Vratam rush.
The festival related demand also resulted in a sharp increase in flower prices. Chrysanthemum flowers were in high demand, with a kilogram being sold in the market for `300.