How inflation pinches Mumbaikars’ pockets this Navratri 2024

As the festive season of Navratri 2024 approaches Mumbaikars eagerly anticipate the vibrancy of dandiya nights grand celebrations and the traditional rituals that bring families and communities together However the joyous mood is somewhat dampened by the sharp sting of inflation For many rising costs are affecting everything from groceries to travel making it harder to fully enjoy the festive spirit without feeling the pinch in their walletsFood costs skyrocketingThe impact of inflation is particularly evident in the markets Vegetables fruits grains and other essential items that are a big part of Navratri celebrations have seen a significant price hike The price of staple ingredients like onions and tomatoes has surged affecting homecooked meals and the food served during community gatheringsShraddha K a homemaker from Dadar shared ldquoThe cost of basic groceries has doubled this year Even making a simple prasad is becoming expensive We have to cut back on other expenses just to manage the basicsrdquoFasting foods become costlyNavratri is synonymous with fasting and special ingredients like singhara water chestnut flour kuttu buckwheat flour and sabudana tapioca are essential fasting recipes However the cost of these items has skyrocketed putting an additional burden on families who observe the fastA vendor from Crawford Market mentioned Wholesale prices for fasting foods have surged by 203037 which is impacting retail costs as well Fasting traditionally a period of devotion is now turning into a financial burdenTravel and fuel pricesAs families travel to meet relatives and visit temples across Mumbai the high cost of fuel adds another layer of financial strain The cost of petrol and diesel has seen a consistent rise leading to higher transportation expenses Auto rickshaw and taxi fares have also been adjusted further increasing the overall cost of celebrating Navratri across the cityThe inflation is affecting everyone In recent years meeting daily expenses has been a challenge Inflation has affected even our festive celebrations In the past we used to take a day trip to Shirdi every Navratri but this year weve had to reconsider due to rising fuel prices Its not just the cost of travelmdasheverything along the way has become more expensive lamented the Pawaskar family from MulundShopping and apparel woesNavratri shopping which typically includes purchasing new ethnic outfits and accessories has also become a more expensive affair Many families are finding it difficult to manage their festive shopping due to higher prices in clothing especially for traditional attireA boutique owner in Colaba explained ldquoThe cost of fabric has increased due to inflation so we have to raise our prices too Unfortunately many customers are either cutting down on their purchases or opting for cheaper alternativesrdquoDandiya events hit by high pricesDandiya nights are among the most anticipated highlights of Navratri 2024 However increasing costs are also impacting the event organisers The price of renting venues paying for sound and light systems and arranging the decorations has increased leading to higher ticket prices for participants Many Mumbaikars are finding it difficult to attend multiple dandiya events this yearParth Kanojiya a finalyear student from Andheri shared When we were kids our parents would take us to dandiya events and I recall that most of them were free As we grew older these events started charging entry fees My friends and I used to attend three or four dandiya events each year but now we limit ourselves to just one because the ticket prices have become too high Wersquod rather save that money for other expensesCoping strategiesTo deal with the burden of inflation many Mumbaikars are making adjustments Families are opting for more intimate celebrations at home while some are cutting down on nonessential purchases or choosing budgetfriendly alternatives for travel and shoppingTushar Shah a Ghatkopar resident stated In recent years celebrating festivals has become difficult due to rising prices and inflation This year to make the most of Navratri were sticking to a tighter budget Rather than attending large dandiya events were hosting smaller gatherings with friends and family at homeDespite the pinch of inflation the spirit of Navratri 2024 remains undeterred Mumbaikars are adapting to the rising costs with resilience ensuring that the essence of celebration and devotion continues However inflation is reshaping the way the festival is experienced this year making it a more modest and conscious celebrationAs one Mumbaikar aptly puts it ldquoNavratri is about devotion and togetherness Even if prices rise wersquoll find ways to keep the spirit alive because festivals are more than just material thingsmdashthey are about the bonds we sharerdquo