Bengaluru’s KR Market turned exceptionally busy as shoppers arrived in large numbers for Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 celebrations. The market was crowded from the early morning as families and devotees rushed to purchase flowers, fruits, decorations and other items needed for the festival.
This year’s celebrations have an added significance for many families because Gauri and Ganesh festivals are being observed on the same day. The combination has added to the festive atmosphere across Bengaluru, with markets witnessing a noticeable increase in shoppers.
The rush has been particularly visible at KR Market, one of the city’s major shopping centres for flowers and fruits. Customers have been picking up everything from traditional flowers to fruits used for festival rituals and home decoration.
Prices, however, have moved up slightly for several commonly purchased items. Despite the increase, shoppers have continued making their purchases, with many unwilling to compromise on their festival preparations.
Among the flowers available at the market, chrysanthemums are being sold at around Rs 350 per kilogram. Roses are also priced at about Rs 350 per kilogram, while mixed flowers are available in the range of Rs 300 to Rs 400 per kilogram.
Lotus flowers are being sold at around Rs 50 for a pair. Kanakambara is available at approximately Rs 50 per measure, while its price can reach around Rs 2,000 per kilogram. Jasmine is being sold for around Rs 50 per measure, with the kilogram price reported at approximately Rs 1,000.
Customers are also buying decorative items used to prepare homes and puja spaces. Tulsi garlands are priced at around Rs 60 per measure, while bundles of mango leaves are available for approximately Rs 10 to Rs 30. Banana stems are being sold at around Rs 50 to Rs 80 for a pair.
Fruit prices have also seen differences depending on the variety and quality. Apples are being sold for around Rs 200 to Rs 300 per kilogram, while pomegranates are available for approximately Rs 100 to Rs 250 per kilogram.
Sapota is priced at around Rs 150 to Rs 200 per kilogram, while grapes are being sold in the range of Rs 120 to Rs 150 per kilogram. Mosambi and oranges are available for around Rs 80 to Rs 100 per kilogram.
Bananas, another commonly purchased fruit during festival preparations, are being sold at around Rs 80 to Rs 150 per kilogram. The final price can vary depending on the variety and quality available at individual stalls.
Even with these price increases, the mood among shoppers remains largely festive. Many customers appeared prepared to spend more to complete their traditional preparations, particularly as flowers and fruits form an important part of Gauri Ganesh celebrations.
The heavy shopping activity has also affected traffic around KR Market. Roads leading towards the market have experienced significant congestion as large numbers of vehicles and pedestrians converge in the area.
Traffic police have been working to manage the movement of vehicles and reduce the impact of the rush. The combination of festival shopping, roadside stalls and pedestrians has made movement around the market more challenging than usual.
The situation is not limited to KR Market. Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations have created a festive atmosphere across several parts of Bengaluru, with homes, streets and local markets preparing for the occasion.
For flower sellers and fruit vendors, the festival period remains an important time as demand rises sharply. Customers typically purchase several varieties of flowers, fruits and decorative materials within a short period, creating a busy trading environment.
The simultaneous celebration of Gauri and Ganesh has added further enthusiasm this year. Families are making arrangements at home while also preparing for religious rituals and decorations, keeping demand for traditional festival items strong.
The crowds at KR Market are a clear indication of the scale of preparations underway in the city. While shoppers are keeping an eye on prices, the festive mood appears to be taking priority as Bengaluru gets ready to celebrate Ganesh Chaturthi.
With demand expected to remain strong around the festival, prices at individual stalls may continue to vary according to supply, quality and customer demand. Shoppers visiting the market are also likely to encounter busy roads and crowded surroundings during peak hours.
For Bengaluru residents, the KR Market rush has become one of the visible signs of the festival season. Despite higher flower and fruit prices and traffic challenges, the enthusiasm surrounding Ganesh Chaturthi 2026 remains strong across the city.
