Kadamkuan resident Dr Usha Mishra buys coconuts for Chaiti Chhath in Patna on Tuesday. The gynaecologist left home in the scorching heat to buy essential items required for Chhath. Though she did not complain about the rising mercury, the doctor was quite unhappy about the rising prices of the items. Since last November, prices of all essential items have gone up by more than 20 per cent, much to the dismay of the devotees. Dr Mishra, who bought soop, daura (straw basket), earthen lamps and ovens, and fruits, said: “During Karthik Chhath, I bought 100 earthen lamps for Rs 25. This time I had to shell out Rs 40. The baskets that were sold then for Rs 60 each are now available for Rs 90.” Chotan Prasad, a vendor who sells items for Chhath, said the prices have gone up for a better profit margin. Chhath is celebrated twice a year — Karthik Chhath in November and Chaiti Chhath in March. Nahay Khay of Chaiti Chhath was celebrated on Monday. Text by Shuchismita Chakraborty, picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey