Low key celebrations in Kadapa district

Kadapa: The new year celebrations in Kadapa district this year turned pale compared to last year as most of people , especially the middle classes, did not seem keen on celebrating the occasion. The steep increase in the prices of essential commodities, cakes, sweets and flowers is said to be the reason. 

A medium size flower garland is being sold at Rs 250 against the normal price Rs 90 to 100, while big one is priced Rs 350 to 450 against Rs 125 to 150 earlier.  This forced people to keep away from decorating their homesand even the temples restricted floral decoration. 

In my 20 years of experience, I am performing pooja without using  variety of flowers for decoration,’ said PRaghava Sharma chief priest of AbhayaAnjayaneeyaswamy temple at Nagaraja pet in the city.  

A coconut seller and florist near the temple KBabu Rao has said the cost of flowers and coconuts were increased twice this time, when  compared to last year. Only 100 coconuts were sold in the early hours of new year.  Jasmine flowers which used to be sold at Rs 15even in off season, was sold 40 forcing devotees visit temples without flowers. 

By M Srinivas Rao