Indian festivals and flowers are a match made in heaven, especially during Diwali — the crown jewel of Gujarat's festive season. From fragrant desi gulab and rajanigandha to vibrant yellow-orange marigolds, from blush pink lotuses to cheerful chrysanthemums, fresh blooms are a must-have to adorn homes and offices, The Times of India reports.
This year, however, rainfall triggered by Cyclone Dana has severely impacted the flower fields in Howrah and the two Midnapores over the last 48 hours. It has led to concerns over a potential shortage in supply and an increase in prices during the Kali Puja and Diwali festivities when flowers are widely used for various rituals.
Meanwhile, in Nepal, the price of Sayapatri or Marigold flowers is expected to rise during the upcoming Tihar festival Flowers that had just started blooming were damaged due to the rain resulting in a loss of around Rs. 150 million, Dilip Bade, chair of Nepal Floriculture Association told KhabarHub.
Bade said that last year the cost was Rs 65 to Rs 70 per garland but this year the wholesale price will be around Rs 80 to Rs 85 per garland. There is a demand for 700,000 Sayapatri flower garlands this year compared to last year. Last year 3.3 million garlands were sold during the Tihar festival. Of the total market demand for flower garlands, 60 percent is in Kathmandu Valley. There is a market demand for 4 million Sayaparti flower garlands for this year's festival.
Thanks to the rainfall in India, both the quality and yield have dipped, pushing prices higher. By the Diwali weekend, the cost of roses and marigolds — the floral starts of the season — is expected to double. During Navratri, dry fruits weren't the only thing priced at a steep Rs 700 per kg, even roses for puja hit the same mark. As Dhanteras and Diwali near, prices are likely to rise again.
Read more at Times of India and KhabarHub