SHILLONG, Oct 27: As Diwali draws closer the city’s markets are filled with decorative diyas, LED lights, fresh fruits, and colourful flowers. However, this festive season, excitement is mingling with frustration, as shoppers and vendors alike grapple with rising prices and inconsistent rates across stores.
Without Minimum Support Price (MSP) guidelines, prices are varying significantly between shops. Take diyas, for instance, one vendor is selling a dozen clay lamps for Rs 40, while another just a few steps away priced them at Rs 20. LED lights also show drastic differences, with the same 30-meter strand priced anywhere from Rs 100 to Rs 250 depending on the vendor, and the shop.
This unpredictable pricing is wearing down shoppers’ patience. “I came prepared to spend a little extra, but not this much!” remarked Priya Agarwal, a mother of two who was browsing in Police Bazaar. “I’m trying to budget for everything, but it’s like each shop has a different idea of what things should cost. It’s exhausting.”
Even fruits, an essential for Diwali and Kali pujas, have been marked up. A kilo of apples is Rs 250 at one vendor, but jumps to Rs 280 or Rs 300 at the next stall. “Fruits have become so expensive that I might just offer fewer varieties at the puja this year,” said Rajiv Das, a resident of Laitumkhrah. “It’s sad because Diwali is about abundance, but we’re feeling the pinch.”
In addition to the challenges of rising prices, customers are noticing a trend among vendors to mark up festive essentials. “Last year, I bought flowers at a reasonable price just a day before Diwali,” shared Seema Thapa, a college student. “Now, I’m seeing prices double or even triple for the same garlands. I feel like we’re being taken advantage of just because it’s Diwali.”
For some, the steep prices are affecting their Diwali plans. Anita Roy, a school teacher, was carefully comparing prices for LED lights. “I usually decorate my entire home with lights, but this time I might limit it to a few areas,” she sighed. “We have to adjust our expectations and find joy in the small things.”
Some shoppers attempted to find solace in humour amid the financial strain. “Diwali mein diwala nikal jayega (Diwali will bankrupt us),” joked Sanjay Thapa, who was negotiating for a better price on decorative items.
Shopkeepers, too, are feeling the pressure. Vendors explain that their own costs have gone up, forcing them to adjust prices even if it risks losing customers. “We have to buy from suppliers who set their prices high, especially for imported items like LED lights and certain fruits,” explained Ram Singh, a vendor in Iewduh. “We know customers are unhappy, but it’s tough for us too.”
Another shopkeeper, who sells traditional diyas and garlands, tries to keep prices reasonable but finds it increasingly challenging. “If I charge too much, customers go elsewhere, but if I go too low, I can’t make a profit,” he said. “It’s hard to find that balance, especially during Diwali when demand spikes.”
