HYDERABAD: “Wish the vepa puvvu was available at my online grocer. I could have added a sprig or two to my shopping basket and slept longer without having to go hunting for these ubiquitous flowers that have now become a rarity.” While that seems to be the refrain of the generation X who are groaning at the idea of having to visit the local market for this subah subah, the elders are befuddled at the rate at which it is being sold. Yes, this Durmukhi naama samvastaram seems to be opening on a bitter note what with this essential ingredient of the Ugadi pachadi costing `30 for a fistful of it. In places like the Monda and Uppal market, vendors are insisting on buying a ‘package’ of mango leaves, tender mangoes, flowers to get a ‘good discount’ on the flowers. Interestingly, social media is buzzing with messages like ‘Where can I get vepa puvvu at Gachibowli’ and other such cardinal questions and helpful Hyderabadis are sharing precious information, mind you posting a Google map of a school playground in the vicinity while trying to crack jokes at the expense of the one who posted it.
Luckily, some supermarkets are making it easy with a Ugadi kit comprising the essentials to ensure the younger generation doesn’t lose out on the precious tradition of savouring the Ugadi pachchadi that reminds us of life being a mix of various flavours.
Meanwhile, the garment stores that went about town for Valentines Day and Women’s Day have been pretty lax about throwing discounts.
“This Ugadi has come soon after exams and in time for a long weekend. So many are out on a vacation making it a bit dull for us,” bemoaned Ankit Agarwal of Pooja Exclusive store at Tarnaka. Perhaps we need another ‘cool’ day to drive up the sales.