Team Herald
PONDA: Flower and fruit vendors from Goa and neighbouring states have been doing brisk business at Ponda in the last few days on account of Ganesh Chaturthi. The exorbitant prices of their goods have not deterred Lord Ganesha’s devotees, who would walk away from the vendor on a normal day. Of course, a little bargaining is involved.
The whole taluka is in a celebratory mood, while the Ponda market is abuzz with activity. Every nook and corner of the market has been occupied by vendors, who were seen doing brisk business on the eve of the festival.
While Goan vendors sold matoli items for a good price, vendors from other states also did their fair share of business on the footpaths near Ponda market by selling flowers that are not produced abundantly in Goa.
Verities of flowers were brought from Hubli and Belgaum in Karnataka and parts of Maharashtra and sold in kilograms or metres. Each kilo of flowers was priced above Rs 50 and each metre was sold above Rs 20-30. Roses were sold at Rs 10-20 per piece. Non-Goan vendors also sold apples at Rs 100 to 150, depending on the size.
Ganesh Chaturthi is a festival that is widely celebrated in Ponda.
