The luxurious ‘kanikkonna’ or golden shower flowers are one of the unavoidable parts of the kani prepared on Vishu day at homes. Seeming to bank on their unavoidability is synthetic kanikkonna flowers that have started to flood the Vishu markets in northern Kerala. The product, said to be made in Delhi and other north Indian cities, have managed to draw public attention, especially as kanikkonna is in short supply.
The artificial kanikkonna is reaching the market at a time when crackers from China have begun to enjoy an upper hand in the market, especially because of the variety on offer.
It is interesting to note that people are ready shell out even ₹75 for ‘three-branched flowers’ as the product is reusable, a street vendor here says.
Despite acute shortage of liquid cash, Vishu shoppers have begun thronging towns to pick up their choicest products, including dress materials.
