the goan I network
PANAJI
People who flocked the markets to pick up wild indigenous and forest fruits for the ‘Matoli’ over where the idol of Lord Ganesh will be placed in their homes were in for a shock - prices.
Fruits and vegetables such as bendi (okra), tavshe (cucumber), dudhi (pumpkin), mako (corn) or ananas (pineapple) fetched a huge premium at the Panaji market.
Some artistes too grabbed the business opportunity offered by the trend where instead of making the ‘Matoli’ themselves at home buy them from the market. Matolis went for between Rs 1,500 and Rs 2,000, while the better quality ones fetched upwards of Rs 3,000.
A random check on Sunday at the bustling with activity Panaji market revealed that each of the fruits used for the Matoli decoration sold for Rs 50 and above.
But the makeshift Matoli market, were packed with abundant vendors and there was no dearth of clients for them as people kept filing in for the all-important purchase of fruits and vegetables on the eve of the Chathurti festival.
Even the sudden revival of the monsoon and the pouring rain failed to dampen their spirit.
Once decorated with fruits, vegetables, leaves and flowers, the Matoli is placed exactly above where the Ganesh idol is given a place of pride in homes. The tradition has come to assume legendary significance in Goa, only this year, Goans had to venture deeper into their pockets to satisfy their reverence to the popular Lord Ganesh.
