Coimbatore: Flower prices have doubled, even tripled ahead of the Ayudha Puja festival.
Arali (Nerium oleander) sevanthi (chrysanthemum) and sampangi (tuberose) are sold for double the price compared to the non-festive season, traders at the temporary flower market set up at Devanga Higher Secondary School at RS Puram and stalls set up on Mettupalayam Road told TOI.
While a kilogram of Arali is sold for Rs 350 compared to the last week’s price of Rs 100, sevanthi is sold for Rs 160 compared to Rs 40, sampangi for Rs 240 compared to Rs 100 and jasmine for Rs 800 compared to 500.
The pandemic has forced people to celebrate the festival in a simple way, said K Prabhu, a flower trader. “As a result, the quantity of flowers they purchase has come down. Those who used to purchase two to three kilograms of flowers are now buying 500 to 750 grams. Despite the measure to set up a temporary market to ensure social distancing, people are reluctant to visit public places. There is a 50% dip in the number of customers compared to the previous year.”
Flower trader R Venkatesh has received only 10% of the previous year’s order for garlands. “Many commercial establishments and industries here have decided not the celebrate the festival or celebrate it in a simple manner,” he said.
Last year, there was a huge demand for flowers, especially sevanthi, which is abundant this year, said trader Mujeeb Rahman. “I earn only Rs 70,000 a day compared to Rs 1.5 lakh last year.”
The pandemic has ruined the festive mood, said M Suresh, a resident of Saibaba Colony. “This year, we wouldn’t be able to invite as many friends and relatives as we had last year due to the pandemic. We have decided to cut back on expenses and will celebrate with close relatives.”
Meanwhile, vegetable prices remain unaffected. “Only the price of onions has gone up due to lower production. It happens every year around this time. Onion price is expected to come down in two weeks,” vegetable trader Narayanan said.