head of Ayudha Puja, and Vijayadasami, prices of all varieties of flowers, and other puja materials have skyrocketed in Salem district. Flowers are an essential part of rituals during Ayudha Puja, and Vijayadasami.
More than 200 farmers from different parts of Salem and the neighbouring districts used to bring about 25 tonnes of flowers every day to the VOC Flower Market, one of the major flower markets in the western districts.
The prices of various flowers have doubled within a gap of three days in the markets in the city, and elsewhere in the district.
Not withstanding the high price, people are seen flocking the market for purchasing various kinds of flowers.
The price of ‘sambangi’ which remained at Rs. 100 a kg three days ago was sold at Rs. 250 on Saturday.
The price of ‘jasmine (malli), the favourite flower of the devotees too has doubled to Rs. 400 a kg from Rs. 200 a kg the same day.
The same is the case with ‘arali.’ It was priced at Rs. 100 on Wednesday, and it rose to Rs. 350 on Saturday. As far as rose is concerned, its price has gone up to Rs. 200 a kg from Rs. 80 a few days ago.
With two more days left for Ayudha Puja, the price of flowers is expected to go up further, say local consumers.
A cross section of people complain that though there was good arrival of flowers from the surrounding areas of city and also from areas such as Panamarathupatti, it was the indifferent attitude of the traders which was responsible for the flower prices registering an upward trend.
They allege that flowers such as sambangi, and arali could be stored for more than 10 days. To create an artificial scarcity, the traders have started stocking these flowers so as to sell them for a higher price on the eve of puja days.
The steep rise in the price has not deterred people from purchasing flowers. The VOC Market has been attracting a steady crowd throughout the day.
“I was shocked to hear the price of flowers. We buy flowers despite the high price, as we need them for worship,” says K. Lakshmi, a homemaker at Suramangalam.
With the Deepavali season and marriage season ahead, the price of flowers is expected to continue to remain on the higher side for a few more weeks.
Peanuts (nilakkadalai paruppu) used during the Ayudha puja is selling at Rs. 120 a kg to Rs. 140 a kg in the retail markets in Salem city.
TOUCH ME NOT
Jasmine: Rs. 200 a kg to Rs. 400 a kg
Sambangi: Rs. 100 a kg to Rs. 250 a kg
Arali: Rs. 100 a kg to Rs. 350 a kg
Rose: Rs. 80 a kg to Rs. 200 a kg
