Kojagiri Purnima: Pune Milk Market Sees Lower Demand Despite 3,000-Litre Arrivals; 18-Litre Container at Rs 1,300
Pune, 25th October 2026: Despite the tradition of drinking spiced milk during Kojagiri Purnima, demand for milk in Pune has remained lower than expected this year. The wholesale milk market in Ganesh Peth received around 2,500 to 3,000 litres of milk from Pune and surrounding areas, while an 18-litre container was priced at ₹1,300 on Saturday.
Milk traders said the usual rush to purchase milk ahead of the festival was relatively subdued this year. At ₹1,300 for 18 litres, the price worked out to approximately ₹72.22 per litre. Last year, the same quantity sold for ₹1,350 to ₹1,400, while prices reached ₹1,500 during Dussehra this year.
Kojagiri Purnima is being observed on October 25 and 26 this year, with celebrations spread across Sunday and Monday. Public mandals, housing societies, political representatives and sweet shops traditionally purchase milk in large quantities for the occasion. The festival is marked by the preparation and distribution of spiced milk, along with the tradition of offering milk to the Moon before consuming it.
However, traders said demand had not reached expected levels despite the celebrations extending over two days. While some customers purchased milk on Sunday, others were expected to buy it on Monday. According to traders, bulk purchases were less concentrated than in years when the festival fell on a single day.
Drought conditions affect milk arrivals
According to milk traders, drought conditions have affected the volume of milk arriving at the Ganesh Peth wholesale market. Supplies reached the market from several areas, including Lashkar, Gawliwada in Aranyeshwar, Wagholi, Kesnand and Wadebolhai.
“Milk arrivals at the Ganesh Peth wholesale market stood at around 2,500 to 3,000 litres. This year, arrivals have declined due to drought conditions. Public mandals and housing societies have shown good demand, and many had registered their requirements in advance,” said Damodar, also known as Tatyasaheb Hingmire, vice-president of the Ganesh Peth Milk Market Purchase and Sales Association.
Milk trader Vishnu More said prices during Kojagiri Purnima were lower than expected compared with Dussehra, when an 18-litre container fetched ₹1,500. Traders had anticipated stronger demand and higher prices during the festival.
Despite the relatively subdued demand, milk supplies from various parts of Pune district continued to reach the wholesale market. Traders said prices could rise slightly if demand increased during the remaining festival period.
