The prohibitive prices in turn have deterred middle class families to some extent from going on a shopping spree.

“We have a puja at our house and I prefer to buy fresh fruits. The prices are exorbitant. Even the price of flowers is high,” said Kaveri Dutta, a resident of Bagbazar.

But not all babus are unhappy. With gaiety all around, it is certainly one occasion where they don’t mind coughing up a bit extra.

“This is a predictable phenomenon. But somehow, each year it seems the prices couldn't be higher. The cost of each item has doubled, trebled and even gone up four times in the last two days,” said P K Samanta, a resident of Dhakuria.

The cost of bananas has doubled with a dozen selling for more than Rs 25 today, instead of the usual Rs 12.

The same goes for other fruits. Apples, dates, oranges and grapes — markets were flooded with a tempting assortment of fruits.

Flowers were sold at a premium today. A small garland that would generally cost Rs 4 was sold for Rs 15 a piece.

Vegetables were not far behind with parmal selling for Rs 60. Normally it would cost around Rs 25 per kilo. Cabbage, gourd, brinjal and even potatoes were priced at twice their usual rates in most markets in the city.