Ganpati decoration costs rise 20-30% this year, sellers say

With preparations for Ganpati's arrival underway, shops in the old Nashik market area are stocked with decoration material. Whether for a home Ganpati or a public mandal's idol, customers this year are showing a clear preference for modern, attractive and eco-friendly decoration material. However, the prices of this material have risen sharply this year. Traders said decoration material is 20 to 30 percent costlier compared to last year. Wholesale sellers in old Nashik said the rise is due to increased prices of electronic and electrical goods, along with cloth, plastic and other raw materials. This means it is not just lighting or the mandap decoration itself but also the raw material needed for them that has become costlier this year, and the burden is ultimately falling on customers' pockets.

This season, 3D foldable mandaps, velvet mandaps, and ready-made temples made of paper and cardboard are in special demand. Customers are also favouring backdrops on various religious and historical themes, replicas of Govardhan hill, a replica of the Ram Temple, and replicas of forts from the Shivaji era. Foldable mandaps fit neatly in less space and can be easily stored after the festival ends, making this option convenient for many. Another reason behind the preference is that instead of buying a new mandap every year, one that can be stored can be reused for several years.

On lighting, LED chakras, lighting torans, multicolour lights, laser lights, fairy lights and digital lighting backdrops are the main attractions in this year's decorations. Demand for older-style decoration also continues, with a large number of buyers purchasing artificial marigold garlands, jasmine bud hangings, and colourful cloth-and-plastic creepers. Both modern and traditional decoration are seeing equally strong demand in the market this year.

Devotees are increasingly leaning towards decor that looks attractive but costs less. Traders said ready-made decoration kits, paper mandaps, cloth backdrops and ready-made temple designs are seeing good demand in the market. According to decoration material sellers in old Nashik, since restrictions came in on the use of thermocol, customers have shifted towards cloth backdrops, velvet mandaps and paper ready-made temples. These materials emerged as alternatives once thermocol could no longer be used, and have now become the mainstream choice. Ready-to-use material is getting a good response this year as it allows for neat decoration within a smaller budget.

On prices, LED series lighting is selling for Rs 100 to Rs 500, plastic flower garlands for Rs 50 to Rs 300, decorative bulbs for Rs 30 to Rs 150, curtain LED lights for Rs 300 to Rs 1,000, LED garlands for Rs 50 to Rs 200, and LED strips for Rs 50 to Rs 300. While these rates vary somewhat depending on the type and quality of material, prices across the board have clearly risen this year.