When one thinks of Ugadi, the first thing that comes to one’s mind is Ugadi pachadi .
To stock fresh ingredients well in advance, several shoppers made their way to the local market ahead of the festival.
But they were a disappointed lot.
Since cyclone Hudhud had wiped out the green cover of the city in October last, this year, most people had to make do with the preparation of the ‘pachadi’ sans neem flowers.
With the message spreading fast, many local markets witnessed last-minute rush, and those who thronged the places had to pay a high price for several items.
While a small-sized raw mango was priced Rs.20, a coconut was sold for Rs.30 on Friday.
Moreover, those who went to rythu bazaars located in Gopalapatnam, Seethammadhara, Kancharapalem, and other areas could not get neem flowers, an important ingredient in the preparation of the ‘pachadi’ that signifies shadruchulu (seven flavours).
Those who are used to preparing the traditional item say that this is the first time they have to dish out the ‘pachadi’ without neem flowers.
