By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The revered Chhath Mahaparva begins on Tuesday with the traditional Nahai-Khai ritual, but this year, devotees are facing a sharp rise in costs. Inflation has increased expenses for Chhath-related items by 20 percent compared to last year, adding financial strain for many observants.
Grocery shopkeepers have brought in special supplies for the festival, including wheat from Madhya Pradesh and jaggery from Bhagalpur, Sitamarhi, and several locations in Uttar Pradesh such as Muzaffarnagar, Hapur, and Saharanpur. Madhya Pradesh wheat is being sold in the market at Rs 40 to Rs 48 per kilo, while jaggery from these regions costs between Rs 50 and Rs 55 per kilo. According to Ramesh Chandra Talreja, General Secretary of the Bihar Retailers Federation, 50 percent of the jaggery in the market comes from Uttar Pradesh, with the remainder sourced from Bhagalpur and Sitamarhi.
Additionally, the prices of staple items have risen significantly: Arwa rice is now Rs 40 per kg, Katarni rice is Rs 70 per kg, Basmati rice ranges from Rs 80 to Rs 90 per kg, and chana dal has surged to Rs 110 per kg, up from Rs 85 last year. Although rock salt prices have remained stable, ghee prices have increased by Rs 50 per kilo, with branded ghee now selling for Rs 620 to Rs 750 per kg.
To support Chhath devotees, shopkeepers in Peermuhani have made arrangements for wheat grinding, a necessary preparation for the rituals. Raju Kumar Gupta, a local shopkeeper, noted that wheat grinding will commence at 3 pm on Tuesday, following thorough cleaning of the shop and machinery. The freshly ground flour will be available at Rs 60-70 per kg, catering to the unique needs of Chhathvratis during this sacred festival.
