Coronavirus lockdown: Markets in Thane largely shut day before Gudi Padwa

THANE: The impact of coronavirus seems to have shown on Gudi Padwa, one of the biggest festivals celebrated in Maharashtra as markets in cities like Thane remained shut even as a bare minimum number of people turned up.
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The situation at Thane’s central market in Jambhli naka was also no different with few vegetable vendors operating and hawkers selling flowers to the bare minimum customers flocking here to test their luck for making Padwa purchases.Vendors claimed that there was limited stock of vegetables arriving and were being sold fast while customers complained few accessories used for the festival like flowers and others were selling for more than the usual prices with hawkers making the most of the situation.

“The vendors were charging excessively for the flowers and several accessories like the batasha garland were also selling at double the rate than usual. We purchased bare minimal flowers required for the festival,” complained a couple planning to make some purchases for the Padwa celebrations at home.
Flower vendors justified that the stock was limited and a huge cache expected to arrive from Pune never turned up. They denied there was any escalation and instead claimed that there were barely any customers and they were liable to incur losses instead as the stock would suffer damages in the sun if not sold.
On the other side, jewellery and garment units that usually do brisk business during the festival remained shut, owners said they had no option but to close business following the government orders and the fear of risking infection. "Padwa usually is a good time for the business community but this year, the tables have turned and we are worried how long this lockdown will last," questioned a trader.
The city which used to celebrate the festival with great pomp shows a deserted look and with the clampdown in place all revelery that is a trademark of the city will be restricted to homes. “We are disappointed that there will be no revelry considering the shutdown. The festival will be celebrated at home with our immediate family members,” said Komal Vaidya, a newly wed from neighbouring Dombivli.
Meanwhile, the supply of essentials like vegetables and milk was also running out fast in the city with vendors claiming residents seemed to be purchasing excess quantity fearing scarcity in the coming days. "Our regular buyers who usually purchase a litre of milk have purchased triple the quantity despite telling them that the supply of milk would not be affected,” said a trader from Bramhand locality in Thane.
As vegetable stocks were not available at the retail units, residents rushed to the central markets here knowing that the stocks arrive here early morning. M Kurdekar who sells vegetables in Naupada area said the stocks were limited and the available ones were flying off fast from the shelves. "I have barely any vegetables left within minutes of opening my stall and my regular customers have returned empty hand on the eve of Padwa,” he said.
A police official said the arrival of essentials was allowed but said they would keep a tab on any congregation of residents at markets.