Pune: The Mahatma Phule Market in Pune saw heavy footfall on Saturday (January 11) as residents flocked to purchase vegetables for the Bhogi festival. Vendors reported a 5–10% price increase compared to last year, despite adequate supply to meet the high demand.

Bhogi, celebrated with the preparation of a special dish made from 16 types of vegetables, prompts a buying frenzy among homemakers. Customers began purchasing vegetables two days in advance, and the weekend holiday added to the market’s bustling atmosphere. With Bhogi falling on Monday, vendors anticipate continued crowds on Sunday (January 12).

According to vegetable vendor Ashok Gawade, farmers strategically reserve crops to meet the festive demand and dispatch them to markets days in advance. This year, vegetables such as papdi, pavta, ghevda, green peas, eggplant, carrots, double beans, and peanuts have been supplied from Pune district and nearby regions.

Vendors noted that the demand for vegetables remains strong, ensuring stable or increased prices for farmers. The current rates for vegetables and festive items are expected to hold steady until Makar Sankranti.

Vegetable Prices Per Kg

• Blue Papdi: ₹140–₹160

• Surti Papdi: ₹120

• Pavta: ₹120–₹140

• Black Ghevda: ₹100–₹120

• Vaghra Ghevda: ₹100–₹120

• Double Beans: ₹100–₹120

• Peanuts: ₹140–₹160

• Val Beans: ₹100–₹120

• Green Peas: ₹50–₹60

• Carrots: ₹50–₹60

• Eggplants: ₹60–₹80

Demand for Bhogi Gift Items

The festival also sees women organizing haldi-kumkum ceremonies, where traditional gift items (vaan) are distributed. Items like sugarcane, wheat stalks, chickpea bundles, sorghum ears, berries, and sesame sweets have been in high demand.

Prices for Bhogi Gifts

• Sugarcane, Wheat Stalks, Chickpea Bundles, Sorghum Ears: ₹15–₹20 each

• Berries: ₹100 per kg

• Sesame Sweets: ₹10–₹5

Despite the demand, the prices of these gift items have remained stable compared to last year.