Ayudha Pooja 2026: Chennai Markets Witness Heavy Crowds as Flower and Fruit Prices Rise

Chennai markets are witnessing a surge in shoppers ahead of Ayudha Pooja 2026, with people visiting Koyambedu, Mylapore, Purasawalkam and other commercial areas to purchase flowers, fruits and traditional pooja items. With the festival approaching on October 19, sales have picked up across the city, while prices of several essential items have increased.

Ayudha Pooja is traditionally celebrated by worshipping tools, machinery, vehicles, work equipment and educational materials. Flowers, fruits, coconuts, banana saplings, mango-leaf festoons and puffed rice are among the commonly purchased items.

Fruit Prices Increase at Koyambedu Market

At the Koyambedu wholesale market, yellow banana bunches are selling for around ₹300 to ₹600. Apple prices range from ₹130 to ₹200 per kg, while sweet lime costs ₹110 to ₹140 per kg. Pomegranates are priced at around ₹125 per kg, guavas at ₹80 and oranges at ₹75.

Retail fruit prices are reportedly ₹20 to ₹25 higher in some shops. Coconuts are selling for approximately ₹25 to ₹60 each, depending on size and quality.

Puffed Rice and Pooja Items Become Costlier

A 100-litre sack of puffed rice is selling for around ₹470 to ₹600 at Koyambedu. Traders say rising paddy and puffed-rice grain costs could push prices higher as festival demand increases.

Other pooja essentials include small varieties of flattened rice at around ₹150 per kg, two banana saplings for ₹100, mango-leaf festoons at ₹50 for two, and white pumpkins priced between ₹50 and ₹100.

Flower Prices Surge Ahead of Ayudha Pooja

Jasmine: ₹350–₹630

Jathi Malli: ₹450–₹500

Mullai: ₹460–₹540

Kanakambaram: ₹240–₹250

Chrysanthemum: ₹200–₹400

Panneer Rose: ₹240–₹300

Flower prices have also risen sharply at the Koyambedu flower market.

Traders expect prices to rise further as demand increases closer to the festival. Prices may vary depending on quality, supply and the time of purchase.

Special Pooja Market at Koyambedu

A special market has been arranged at Koyambedu to help shoppers and traders buy flowers, fruits, festoons and other festival essentials in one place. The special market is scheduled to operate until October 23.

Busy shopping activity has also been reported in T. Nagar, Purasawalkam, Guindy, Saidapet, North Chennai and Tambaram.

Residents planning their Ayudha Pooja purchases are advised to compare prices and shop early to avoid last-minute crowds.