The sale of electronic goods, clothes and other items has also come down drastically due to the restrictions imposed by the election authorities. According to traders, people this time did not make bulk purchase as carrying huge amount of cash has become risky in view of the searches being conducted by the police.
Even the banks have been asked to monitor transactions of above Rs.1 lakh.
Police have seized more than Rs.65 crore unaccounted cash across the state since the poll schedule was announced early this month. Police officials believe a part of the money was being carried to bribe the voters.
Women prepared 'Ugadi pacchadi', a mixture of neem buds, raw mango, tamarind juice, pepper, jaggery and salt - a must for the celebrations.
The mixture symbolizes that life is a mixture of different experiences like happiness and sadness, which should be accepted together and with equanimity.
Thousands of devotees thronged the temples in both the regions. Special prayers were held at Tirumala, Srisailam and Vijayawada temples.
People also attend special functions where the pundits read out 'panchangnam' or religious almanac of the coming year. Literary discussions, poetry recitations, recognition of authors through award and cultural programmes marked the day.
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Andhra Pradesh Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan and leaders of various political parties greeted people on the occasion of 'Ugadi' and hoped that the New Year would bring happiness and prosperity for Telugus around the world.
