TEHRAN -- The hustle and bustle in markets, shops, and boutiques reminds one that Norouz (New Year's Day), marking the advent of spring and the new Iranian year, is close.

Each year with the approach of Norouz, people begin cleaning their homes and purchasing goods, which is customary at this time.

Iranians believe that at Norouz time, which occurs at the vernal equinox, everything should be made new in hope of blessings, bounties, and good omens.

Clothing stores, shoe shops, and fruit vendors enjoy good business on these days.

It is an interesting show. Every year just before New Year's Day (March 21), vendors offer 30 percent discounts and sales, trying to take advantage of the occasion and create added incentives to get rid of their old stocks.

Traditionally, Iranians believe that Norouz brings happiness and peace. However, in the past steep rises in the cost of Norouz preparations have somewhat decreased the happiness that used to accompany this time.

Each year, the increase in demand for goods during Norouz leads to price rises. Government employees bear the heaviest burden. This pattern is repeated every year.

The exponential rise in prices and low incomes have made public sector employees a more fragile stratum of society.

In the constant battle between inflation and people's purchasing power, steep prices have always emerged as the winner. In the markets you see enthusiastic customers who leave immediately as soon as they take a glance at the steep price of one of the products showcased in shop windows.

Some passersby are only window-shopping, with no real interest in buying anything. They are just interested in looking at the latest fashions and what is considered in vogue by members of the small section of society who can actually afford to buy clothes and shoes at these malls. One lady sighed and said, "The high prices have been a cause of embarrassment for me in front of my children."

Meanwhile, others who missed the inexpensive fairs held for the occasion look for bargains at shops of retailers who are going out of business. In this regard, a member of a family of four said, "Each year we make a shorter shopping list to meet and manage the sky-high prices." One youth said, "The volatile prices act as an obstacle, making us unaware of the true prices of goods, thus creating a pretext that swindlers use to their benefit."

In the large and small shops around the country the overall situation is the same.