The prices of flowers have shot up in the wholesale market with the spike in demand ahead of Pongal.
The price of ‘malli’ (jasmine) has risen to ₹1,500 a kg as against ₹1,200 a few days ago. The price of kanakambaram (firecracker flower) remained at ₹800 a kg while roses were available ₹200 per kg. The prices are expected to remain high till Pongal, he said.
Arumugam, a flower seller on Bharathi Street, said the people had been thronging the market over the last few days to buy flowers for Pongal festival.
Meanwhile, city markets are crowded with people making last-minute purchases. The Goubert market on Bharathi Street witnessed a brisk sale of sugarcane, turmeric bunches and jaggery on Friday. One of the most important features of Pongal, sugarcane is being sold in bunches, each with 10 pieces, in the wholesale Goubert Market. The black variety is sold at ₹300 to ₹350 a bundle.
Festival spirit
Meanwhile, nearly 2,000 students and staff of the Bharathidasan Government College for Women ushered in the harvest festival of Pongal here on Friday. Festive atmosphere prevailed on the campus with the students turning up in traditional dress. The college management organised a function for the third successive year on Friday. Students, assisted by faculty, cooked Pongal and distributed it to all on the campus amidst “Pongalo Pongal” chant.
The management had organised traditional games. Students took part in a kolam competition by drawing the intricate and colourful kolam patterns, said S. Alamelu Mangai, assistant professor, postgraduate and research department of Home Science.
Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi led the Pongal celebrations at the Raj Nivas.
