This Diwali season, flowers are in full bloom, but so are their prices! Bright marigolds, fragrant desi roses, lush green asopalav leaf garlands, pink lotuses, dewy tagar gajras and elegant tuberoses are transforming homes, temples and offices across Ahmedabad. But, Amdavadis are paying a premium to adorn their spaces with these floral beauties as demand has pushed prices to new heights — sometimes triple their usual rates.
Until last week, the Jamalpur flower market retailed marigolds anywhere between Rs 20 and Rs 60 per kg. This has risen to as high as Rs 100 per kg and even Rs 120 per kg. Similarly, desi roses, which cost about Rs 80 per kg, now cost anywhere between Rs 100-200 per kg. Gajras made of tagar flowers, priced at Rs 30 a piece, are Rs 100 now. The price of a bunch of 10 stems of Rajnigandha flowers (tuberoses) was Rs 200-250, which has now risen to Rs 350. The cost of pink lotuses has risen to Rs 60 per stem from Rs 20.
The Jamalpur flower market, Ahmedabad's go-to for fresh flowers, usually stocks around 3-4 tonnes daily on non-festive days. But with Diwali around the corner, that number has shot up to nearly 15 tonnes, according to the Ahmedabad Wholesale Flower Merchants' Association.
"The demand for locally grown flowers has been rising since last Sunday, driven by temples, locals and corporate offices looking to deck out their spaces," says Mohammad Arab, president of the Ahmedabad Wholesale Flower Merchants' Association.
Yet, not all is rosy. "Artificial flowers are increasingly being used in decorations, especially in offices. It has reduced the overall demand for fresh flowers over the past few years," adds Arab.
Around 60% of these blooms are destined for temples in Ahmedabad, Mehsana, Nadiad and surrounding areas, with the rest going to smaller vendors and retailers, eager to make Diwali a season in full bloom — despite the higher price tag.