Doomdooma, April 12 -- As families across Assam gear up for Bohag Bihu celebrations beginning April 14, shoppers in Doomdooma are grappling with a sharp surge in vegetable prices that has cast a shadow over festive preparations. The crisis stems from nearly two weeks of relentless rainfall, which has waterlogged local fields, destroyed standing crops, and severely choked the supply chain.

The financial strain is most visible at the local daily markets, where festive staples have become luxury items. Bottle gourd, an essential ingredient for traditional Bihu dishes, has seen its price triple, with small sizes selling for Rs 100 and larger ones reaching as high as Rs 300. The cost of green chillies has climbed to a staggering Rs 200 per ki...