Coconuts turn ‘pricey’ as their demand goes up

Visakhapatnam: It's not just the cost of vegetables that has gone up during 'Karthika masam' but coconuts have also turned out to be quite pricey. With most devotees offering puja as part of the 'deekshas' they have been observing, coconuts are being extensively offered during the daily puja rituals performed both in the morning and evening.

Even otherwise, 'Karthika masam somavaram' (Monday), 'Ekadasi' and 'Pournami' are considered auspicious and special pujas are performed on the occasion. A majority of puja rituals include breaking of coconuts and offering them to deities. As a result, the demand for them has gone up and so do their rates.

At present, each coconut at Rythu Bazaar is sold at Rs 50. The cost is Rs 10 extra for a coconut in retail outlets. Based on the size, they are graded in the markets. The smallest ones are sold at Rs 30 each at Rythu Bazaars. On special occasions such as ‘Karthika Pournami’, ‘Karthika somavaram’, the coconuts turn out to be even costlier at retail outlets.

With the onset of ‘Margasira masam’ in a day, the demand for coconuts is expected to remain the same as devotees continue to observe ‘deekshas’ during the month.