GUWAHATI, Jan 9 � The Bhogali Bihu celebration is going to be an expensive affair for the common people this year. The inflationary condition in the country is all set to burn a hole in the pockets with the price of every item soaring unbelievably this year.
Though the ambience around would give a feeling of opulence with the aroma of varieties of rice wafting in the air and display of mouth-watering items like curd, cream, jaggery, etc., these things are now beyond the reach of the low income group. In comparison to last year, the prices of the items considered essential for celebrating the Bhogali Bihu have gone up.
�For a daily wage earner like me, it is impossible to celebrate Bihu. I am terribly shocked by the prices of the items. When the prices were quoted, I thought I had heard them wrong,� said Balen Das.
For the low income group, Bihu definitely is going to be a dreaded affair and would be limited to a token celebration.
The price of bora rice, integral to the celebration that is synonymous with feasting, starts from Rs 60 per kg and above. Last year, the price of the same was Rs 40 per kg. The price of Joha rice is Rs 50 and above. The price of Komal chawl is Rs 80 and above, the price of joha and bora cheera is Rs 80, the price of good quality jaggery is Rs 100 and every other item when their price is quoted gives a mild heart attack.
�Many factors have compelled us to increase the price of the rice, cheera and other items. The price of paddy has been increased and this is one major reason for the hike in the price of different varieties of rice and cheera,� said Bipul Moran.
At the ongoing Bhogali fairs at different locations in the city, quality items are available but at a higher price. At the Pre-Bhogali Mela at NEDFi Haat here, different self-help groups from across the State are participating with fresh and quality products. This fair will continue till January 12.
