Waghati Prices Soar to Rs 1,200 per Kg in Pune as Ashadhi Ekadashi Demand Rises

Pune, 27th July 2026: The traditional wild vegetable Waghati, consumed to break the Ashadhi Ekadashi fast, fetched a record ₹1,000 to ₹1,200 per kg in Pune’s retail markets this year amid limited supply and high demand.

Farmers, mainly from Satara district, brought the seasonal produce to the Mahatma Phule Mandai, where only around 300 to 400 kg of Waghati arrived for sale. Traders said the low arrivals, coupled with strong demand, led to the sharp rise in prices.

Waghati is traditionally cooked the day after Ashadhi Ekadashi as devotees break their fast, particularly in rural Maharashtra. The customary meal consists of a Waghati preparation served with bhakri. However, traders said the younger generation is increasingly unfamiliar with the traditional food.

“Every year, farmers from rural areas bring Waghati to Mahatma Phule Mandai ahead of Ashadhi Ekadashi. This year, arrivals were limited to around 300 to 400 kg, while demand remained high, resulting in prices touching ₹1,200 per kg,” said Ravindra Khandwe, a vegetable trader at Mahatma Phule Mandai.

Khandwe said Waghati grows among thorny shrubs in the Sahyadri mountain ranges, where farmers manually harvest the fruits. He also clarified that Waghati is often mistaken for Karatul, although the two are different vegetables. While Karatul is a thorny vegetable, Waghati bears medium-sized fruits that resemble wood apples.

Despite its premium price, Waghati continues to hold cultural significance among devotees observing the Ashadhi Ekadashi fast. Many households continue the age-old tradition of preparing the seasonal delicacy to mark the end of the religious observance.