Rising interest rates and EMIs have changed the entire lifestyle of the Karmakars. “The first and foremost thing that I was compelled to do is to cut down on my SIP (systematic investment plans),” he said, pointing out that he had already opted out of two SIPs in the past two years. His monthly investment of Rs 7,000 has almost been halved to Rs 4,000 now.

Rising food prices have ensured that hilsa or a chitol (fish varieties) are now more associated with feasts. “Eating fish is part of our custom and cultural identity. But of late, we have almost forgotten what an ilish (Assamese for hilsa) or a chitol looks like. These two class I fish today cost anywhere between Rs 300 and Rs 400 per kg, and we have thus made their entry into our kitchen only an annual ritual, managing the normal menu with the less costly lashim-bhangon or rou,” he added.

With avian flu occurring in neighbouring West Bengal, Tripura and Manipur and also in some Assam districts, for a large section of middle-class educated people in Guwahati with a higher level of awareness, chicken and eggs have already been struck out of the regular weekly shopping list. Inviting friends and relatives for lunch or dinner has also gone down at the rate at which the EMI has gone up, he added.

Karmakar has a car, but hardly does he take it out once a week. “Most of the time when I have to go out to other parts of the city, I take my scooter. And if it is within a one-km radius, which includes my office, I prefer to walk. It is also good for my health,” he says. They have also started avoiding attending wedding receptions if those are in far-away localities.

... contd.