Despite soaring prices, citizens set for Vishu

KOCHI: Despite the escalating price of essential goods, city residents are all set to celebrate the festival of Vishu, the astronomical New Year. The festival falls in the month of ‘Medam’ and is celebrated with passion and joy. Vibrant colours of the traditional Kanikonnapoovu and the golden pumpkin have given the city a festive appearance. Anticipating more customers, an extensive variety of Vishu articles have been lined up in every store across the city.  Beautiful idols of Lord Krishna ranging in different sizes are beckoning customers.

“Idols made of paper pulp are high in demand this season though idols made of black metal, white metal and plaster of Paris are also available in the market,” said Jithu P.T. a dealer at Broadway. However, compared to previous years, there is a dip in the business of firecrackers’ dealers. “Implementation of GST has affected the sales to a large extent. The turnover has decreased considerably this time,” said P.V Jose, a trader of firecrackers at Market Road. Chinese firecrackers have hence replaced the native ones in the market this year.

Summer rains during the last couple of days have adversely affected the vegetable market with a dip in sales during the evening. Jose Mathew, a street vendor in the Ernakulam market said that ‘Kani Vellari’ (golden cucumber) – the vegetable of the season, jackfruit and ripe mango were in high demand, though their prices witnessed a spike. Several shops have arranged special ‘vishu kani’ kits making it easier for buyers.  Gold coins or coins of Rs 10 and Rs 5 which are gold coloured are in demand to be gifted as ‘Vishukaineettam’. Vishu will be celebrated in major temples, especially in the Chottanikkara temple, where hundreds of devotees visit to view the vishu kani and vishu vilakku.