PONDA: The move to shift the seasonal matoli bazaar at Ponda from its traditional location to a place along the airport road faced resistance from some market shed vendors, who fear losing business. However, most of the vendors welcome the move.
The matoli bazaar is held prior to and during the Ganesh festival, where a particular type of vegetables, fruits and forest produce – used for decorating the Ganesh idol — are sold.
For many years, the matoli bazaar is being held along the main road and on footpaths at the Ponda market. However, the matoli bazaar has been a cause of overcrowding and congestion at the market.
To decongest the market during the festive season, the Ponda municipality has decided to shift the matoli bazaar out of the main market; the same is welcomed by many, but opposed by some.
Those opposing the shifting argue that, once the matoli bazaar is moved out of its present location, the public would purchase all their requirements at the new location, which is an open area having adequate parking facilities. Therefore, the public will prefer to purchase their requirements at the new location, which would cause them loss of business.
