Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: There was a time when locals used to manufacture essence sticks, clay lamps, and soaps locally and sell the vegetables and fruits grown in Goan soil.
This time, the scene of Diwali is such that the markets are flooded with various clay lamps, ample veggies, flowers and fruits, and designer akashkandils but hardly any of them are locally made/grown/manufactured.
Diwali, the popular festival that honours the triumph of light over darkness, was celebrated across Goa today.
Although the local vendors were sighted in local markets, most of them were seen selling products exported from outside States.
If we could see anything that can term the State locals ‘Swayampurna’ are few Akashkandils and poha. It was noticed that the locally made akashkandils were costing much more compared to that exported from outside markets. Poha per kilo costs Rs 100/kg while those others cost 70/kg.
Markets of Shiroda, Ponda, Margao, and Vasco saw much of the rush to buy locally grown vegetables.
When speaking to a local vendor in Shiroda market, he said last time, we had ample of State has grown marigold flowers, and it had a huge demand. “This time, not many marigold flowers are available in the market. This could be due to unseasonal rains”, he added.
