The demand for horse-driven chariots has gone up significantly, thanks to the ongoing marriage season. But, a majority of wedding couples are unable to fulfil their dream of travelling in a decorated chariot on the day. The reason: exorbitant charges being collected by the suppliers.
Taking wedding couple in a procession on a decorated horse-drawn chariot with latest numbers being played in the background has been the latest trend here. A practice hitherto confined to elite families is fast catching up as families with moderate income are ensuring that chariots become a part of their family weddings, said a horse supplier from Bhavanipuram.
“It’s a fact that most families cannot hire the service owing to the rates,” he said. The prices have been on the higher side owing to the steep demand-supply gap. He recalled how a family pleaded with a supplier at a function hall in Autonagar on Thursday requesting him to reduce the amount, but the supplier did not relent and charged hefty amount.
Vehicle owners from One Town, Bhavanipuram, Tadepalli and Undavalli are supplying chariots during marriages, rallies organised by politicians and other functions at a price ranging between Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 50,000 depending on the event. Another supplier Mohammed Moosa from Vidhyadarapuram said that he was ready to reduce tariff if middle income groups approach him.
He claimed that he had collected Rs. 7,000 as against the prevailing Rs. 30,000 from a family hailing from humble background recently to facilitate wedding couple fulfil their dream. He said suppliers were purchasing the horses and chariots from Zummerat Bazaar in Hyderabad at a lesser price and carrying out their business here. After the marriage season, owners supply chariots to film studios for shooting on a daily rental basis.
