Marigold and gold are a hit this Diwali

Pune: As homes and shops are decorated with flowers during Diwali, there was high demand for marigold and shevnati (Chrysanthemum) flowers at Mahatma Phule Mandai. People purchase marigold and shevanti flowers for Laxmi Pujan and Padwa.As per flower vendors in Mandai, the sale of flowers, including marigold and shevanti, is good compared to last year. Vendor Shiva Khole said, “This year, we are having a large number of customers. People usually prefer shevanti compared to marigold, but this festive season is different, as there are more takers for marigold.”

“The rates are the same as last year. We are selling marigold for Rs 40 to 80 per kg, while shevanti is being sold for Rs 50 to Rs 70 per kg. This year, there is less amount of shevanti due to erratic rainfall,” said Sonali Bhare, another vendor at Mandai.

Pradeep Kale, head of Flower Market, confirmed, “This season, around 1 lakh tonne marigold has arrived, while 30,000 tonnes shevanti has arrived. There is demand for both flowers. In marigold, we have two types, tuljapuri and zendu. People are preferring the tuljapuri variety.”

Regarding bullion, Fatehchand Ranka of Ranka Jewellers said, “This festive season, sale of gold and silver coins has been significant. Apart from this, gold jewellery and bullion are also being purchased by people. Also silver gifts are being preferred by customers. The footfall is also good.”