Mumbai: The Mumbai markets are bustling with crowds for the forthcoming Ganesh Chathurthi. However, Mumbaikars feel the pinch while buying their favourite god as the idols have become 20 per cent costlier after the introduction of GST compared with last year.
“Last year, a 2-feet idol would cost Rs 2,500, but now it has escalated to more than Rs 3,000. Shops are following the same price pattern as the raw materials have become costlier with the 18 per cent GST on them,” said Deepak Angane, an idol shop owner, in Goregaon.
A 5-feet Ganesh idol, which was sold for Rs 12,000 last year is sold for Rs 15,000 this year. However, decorators do not experience the same pinch as borne by idol shops and makers.
Raw materials like colour nets, sponges, artificial flowers and paint used for decoration have seen a price rise. “A majority of the raw materials except sponge has seen a hike in price of Rs 20 to Rs 50. For example, a bundle of the net that cost us Rs 550 is now available at Rs 600,” said Sandeep Gadge, a decorator.
