Sambalpur: Today is Sabitri Brata; Fruit Prices Skyrocket, Satyavan’s Pocket Getting Empty

Sambalpur: The Sabitri Brata will be observed tonight. For this reason, the city has become bustling with activity today. However, Satyabans are in a dilemma seeing the high prices of fruits. Fruits that were previously sold by weight are now being sold individually for Savitri Brata. A single apple costs 20 rupees, a single pineapple 50 rupees, a single guava fruit 20 rupees, a pomegranate 30 rupees, a single sapota (sapodilla) 10 rupees, and a single bael (wood apple) 20 rupees. Due to these high prices, it is not possible for everyone to buy fruits for the puja. Similarly, bangles and other items necessary for the puja are also being sold at high prices, leading to complaints from the public.

This fast is observed by Hindu married women for the long life of their husbands. On the day of the fast, women wear new sarees and observe the fast. They remain fasting for their husbands and offer a variety of fruits and other offerings to the deities as per the rituals. Thus, the demand for fruits in the market increases on this day. Shops selling sarees are also crowded. Today, heavy crowds are seen in various markets and shops in the city.