Jalpaiguri, 13th November: Chhath Mahaparv begins today with the traditional ritual of eating bottle gourd-rice. Bottle gourd sellers arrived at various markets with their produce, witnessing increased demand since Friday morning.
A large number of bottle gourds were seen at several markets across Jalpaiguri, including Indira Gandhi Colony Market, Dinbazar and Station Market. Buyers gathered at these markets from the morning to purchase bottle gourds for the festival.
According to Chhath Puja rituals, devotees begin the festival by observing the tradition of eating bottle gourd-rice on the first day. Bottle gourds are being sold at ₹60 to ₹70.
Vendors said that demand for bottle gourds increases every year on this day. Keeping Chhath devotees in mind, they have brought larger quantities of the vegetable to the markets this year. Sales began in the morning.
