Flower prices soar ahead of Ashtami, hit puja budgets
Times of India | 13 October 2024
Kolkata: With Saptami starting from Wednesday, the price of flowers has increased manifold — from marigold to lotus, all are being sold at a premium. Flower sellers across the city are charging Rs 30-Rs 40 for a lotus. Those that are droopy are being sold at Rs 20. Narayan Chandra Nayek, secretary of All Bengal Flower Growers & Sellers Association, said that due to the recent rain, flower growers have incurred immense loss, leading to the price hike.
He said that normally, 20 to 25 days ahead of puja, flower sellers collect the lotus and store them in cold storage. But this time, lotus had been affected by rain. He added there was a demand for 1 crore lotus for Ashtami alone. Due to the high price, many vendors have stopped selling lotus garlands. Nayek said the price of marigold was Rs 120 a kg and a 3ft garland was priced at Rs 20-Rs 25. Tuberose was being sold for Rs 500 per kg at Mullickghat flower market. Though Nayek said the price of 1,000 pieces of hibiscus was Rs 1,000 and garlands of 108 pieces were sold for Rs 80-Rs 90. Even roses were being sold at Rs 5-Rs 10, depending on colour and quality. Flower sellers felt prices could go up further in the next few days and stay there till Lakshmi Puja.
Chinmoy Ghosh, president, Akanksha Association of Apartment Owners, said the spiralling prices of flowers has pinched their budget.