VALPOI
Sattari taluka is all set to welcome Ganesh Chaturthi which begins on Monday, with markets in Valpoi, Honda, Guleli, Nagargao, Thane and surrounding areas abuzz with festive shopping.
The Matoli market opened in Valpoi and Honda on Saturday, attracting a large number of devotees. Fruits, flowers, leaves, natural forest produce, puja articles and decorative items were in high demand.
The Fatima Convent Road in Valpoi witnessed a heavy rush as several stalls selling Matoli items were set up on both sides of the road. Devotees from Valpoi and nearby villages were seen purchasing traditional Matoli materials throughout the day.
Vendors said prices of several fruits and other Matoli items have increased compared with last year. The shortage of labour for collecting forest produce and higher transportation costs have contributed to the price rise.
“I have been selling Matoli items for the past 15 years and has never faced such a situation before. The increased cost of collecting and transporting natural produce had forced vendors to raise prices this year,” said a vendor, Batu Gaude.
The dry spell over the past few days has also affected Matoli vendors, who complained that fresh fruits, flowers and other natural materials collected for the festival have been damaged by the heat.
“A considerable effort and money had been spent to collect the materials, but the hot weather had resulted in losses. We vendors were nevertheless trying to provide fresh and good-quality items to devotees,” said a vendor, Parvati Gaude.
Valpoi is expected to witness an even bigger rush on Sunday, the eve of Ganesh Chaturthi. Many families traditionally purchase Matoli materials and bring their Ganesh idols home on the eve of the festival.
Markets, Matoli stalls, puja shops, decoration stores and idol centres are expected to remain crowded throughout the day.
The heavy rush is also expected to put pressure on traffic movement in Valpoi. Roadside parking and the large number of shoppers and vehicles could lead to traffic congestion.
Residents have urged the traffic police and authorities to make proper arrangements and regulate parking to ensure smooth traffic movement.
Meanwhile, Ganesh idol-making workshops across Sattari have completed their preparations. Idols of different sizes and designs have been painted and decorated and are ready to be taken to devotees' homes.
Artists were seen giving the final touches to the idols. The arrival of Ganesh idols on Sunday and Monday is expected to bring a festive atmosphere across Sattari.
With markets bustling, Matoli stalls crowded and Ganesh idols ready, Sattari is all set to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi with traditional fervour and enthusiasm.
