Shillong: Shillong residents are pushing the district administration to crack down on high food prices at temporary stalls during Durga Puja. Local families worry that current costs make the festive season too expensive for the average worker. Stalls near pandals charge up to 200 rupees for staples like chole bhature, dosa, pav bhaji, or chow mein. Some specialty items hit even harder on a household budget.
A plate of pasta costs 300 rupees. Rumali roti goes for 350 rupees. Meanwhile, small snacks like samosas, kachoris, and masala tea are set at 20 rupees each. Chaat costs 80 rupees per plate, and vendors tack on an extra 20 rupees for packing. Residents point out these spikes make it tough for folks living on daily wages to enjoy the celebration.
Deepak Verma wants the local government to step in and set limits on these markups. He thinks vendors are putting greed over the holiday spirit. "Spread love and smile and not look for opportunities for personal gains," Verma said. He wants businesses to focus on community rather than padding their pockets during the weeklong event.
Ajit Das echoed these frustrations, noting that this pricing struggle happens every year. He argues that festivals should be defined by compassion, not high-end restaurant pricing. The residents now want officials to explain what oversight is in place. They are looking for clear price displays and a reliable way to file complaints if vendors overcharge or hide costs. Transparent billing would let families decide what they can afford before they order.
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