SHILLONG, Oct 18: With food prices at temporary eateries during Durga Puja raising concerns over affordability, residents in Shillong have urged the district administration to regulate rates and ensure that festive celebrations do not become an expensive affair for ordinary families.
Deepak Verma, a resident, acknowledged that vendors may raise prices during the festive season, but said there should be a limit to such increases, particularly when temporary food stalls attract large numbers of people. He urged the administration to regulate prices, alleging that some stalls charge exorbitant rates.
“Spread love and smile and not look for opportunities for personal gains,” Verma said, appealing to vendors to keep the spirit of the festival in mind rather than focus solely on profits.
Ajit Das, another resident, said the issue of high food prices during festivals had persisted for years and that it was time to take steps to address it.
He stressed that festivals should be a time for love, compassion and giving, and that food prices should remain affordable so people from all economic backgrounds could participate in the celebrations. He further said that while everyone wanted to enjoy the festivities, not all could afford to spend heavily on food.
Temporary food stalls become a familiar feature around Puja pandals, offering visitors a range of snacks and meals. However, the cost of eating out can add up quickly, particularly for those dependent on daily wages and limited household incomes.
A menu displayed at one of the food stalls lists chole bhature, dosa, pav bhaji and chow mein at Rs 200 per plate. Pasta is priced at Rs 300 a plate, while rumali roti costs Rs 350 per plate.
Samosas, kachoris and masala tea are priced at Rs 20 each, while several varieties of chaat are priced at Rs 80 per plate. The menu also specifies an additional packing charge of Rs 20.
These prices are not representative of all food stalls in Shillong. However, they illustrate how much visitors could end up spending on food during the celebrations.
For households already balancing essential expenses, such costs can make eating out during the festival difficult. The issue has, therefore, prompted calls for greater oversight and transparency in the prices charged at temporary food stalls.
The district administration and other relevant authorities could clarify what monitoring arrangements are in place during the festive season and how consumers can raise concerns about pricing and billing. Clear price displays and accurate billing would help them make informed choices.
The prices displayed on a menu do not, by themselves, establish that any charge is unlawful. Nevertheless, the concerns raised by residents highlight the importance of ensuring that consumers are informed of prices before placing orders and have a clear avenue for complaints if the amount charged differs from the displayed price.
As Durga Puja celebrations continue, residents want the spirit of the festival to extend beyond the pandals. They believe that love, compassion and sharing should also be reflected in the prices of festive food, so that families with modest earnings are not left out of the celebrations.