It’s bloom time for Netaji Phool Market after around 70 days

The reopening of Netaji Phool Market last week has brought much respite to the flower wholesalers and florists of the city. While vendors are getting accustomed to the new normal, including the odd-even rule of operations and safety measures, they are happy that at least some income will start flowing in after close to 70 days of no-business.
Masks, Aarogya Setu and digital payments
Out of 70 shops in the area, only 35 function in a day, that too on a rotational basis, informs the president of the flower market Vijay Wanjari. He adds, “We are following social distancing norms, sanitising the premises frequently and using the Aarogya Setu app to monitor vendors and visitors. It is compulsory for traders to wear masks and the customers are also requested to do the same. Apart from this, we have been training vendors to switch to the online payment mode instead of accepting cash.”
New place and, hopefully, better business
The florists have been sanctioned a new, larger place to set up the market and they hope to move there soon. Wanjari is hopeful that the business will pick up pace in the coming weeks. “At present, the number of buyers is less because of the obvious fear. We are expecting slightly better business once the religious places reopen. Also, farmers who had dumped a vast number of flowers, amid lockdown, can heave a sigh of relief as the market resumes operations.”
My brother-in-law is getting married on June 30. And we were contemplating on choosing paper decoration, including paper garlands.
Thankfully, the market has opened and we will get fresh flowers for the decoration now.
— Kishore Ingale, a faculty member of Chitrakala Mahavidyalaya
We had been managing with less and sometimes without flowers for the puja at home so far. In fact, last month my friend’s brother used an artificial garland on his wedding day! So, it’s a great relief that the market has reopened.
— Sarang Makde, a working professional
The reopening itself is a positive step. Thankfully, the wedding season is on and even though we have less orders, we are glad to be doing some business at least. At the same time, it’s good to see everyone following the safety guidelines.
— Kuldeep Vaidya, a vendor