Inflation dims Diwali lights for Mumbai

The Bhatia family has had an annual tradition of buying gold during Diwali, but the inflationary prices will force the Andheri residents to forgo the tradition this year.

The Bhatia family has had an annual tradition of buying gold during Diwali, but the inflationary prices will force the Andheri residents to forgo the tradition this year.

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“Gold has become too expensive. We have decided to make do with some steel wares instead,” said Chanchal Bhatia, a marketing professional.

Inflation has played spoilsport in many aspects of family Diwali celebrations this year.

The Kale family in Goregaon’s Siddharth Nagar, for instance, is cutting back on fireworks and treats for the children.

“This time we have tried to reduce the number of crackers by half,” said homemaker Asha Kale. “We are also making less faraal and fewer sweets, since we don’t want to use up too much cooking gas, what with the prices rising and subsidised LPG cylinders being limited now.”

Soaring airfares have compelled families to cancel travel plans too. “Diwali is usually vacation time since the children have holidays, but this year we are staying home,” said Bhatia.

Added Iqbal Mulla, president of the Travel Agents Association of India: “There has been a 20% drop in domestic air travel this Diwali.”