Rakesh Kumar, a fruit vendor outside Punjab Agricultural University, explains the sky-rocketing price of fruits as: “People who keep a fast eat fruits, which are also offered in temples. In short, the demand for fruits goes up sharply during this season, especially fruits like banana, which is now priced at Rs 40 a dozen. Till a few days ago, banana was priced at Rs 20 a dozen.”

The sale of meat, meanwhile, has been hit by almost 50 per cent. Hardeep Singh, owner of Baba Chicken, says: “It is normal, but there has been a change in the trend over the years. Earlier, Sikh families were not too strict about consuming non-vegetarian food during Navratras, but this has changed now. I have a number of regular clients from Sikh families who are not eating non-vegetarian food during the Navratras.”

All city-based restaurants are also offering Navratra special thalis and chips made especially for consumption during the fast can be seen at every grocery shop. Neelam Goel, a housewife says: “The main issue is getting the required number of kanjaks and now with both ashtami and navmi falling on the same day, there will be an acute shortage of young girls.”