Flower and fruit prices surge ahead of Tihar Festival – The Himalayan Times – Nepal’s No.1 English Daily Newspaper

KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 20

The prices of Makhamali (globe amaranth) and Sayapatri (marigold) flowers, essential during the Tihar festival, have surged dramatically-from the gardens to the markets.

Today, on the occasion of Laxmi Puja, farmers in Gundu, Bhaktapur, are selling Sayapatri flowers at Rs 700 per kg, a sharp rise from Rs 300 just a week ago. In local markets, retail prices have crossed Rs 1,000 per kg, reflecting a steep hike within days. Gundu is considered a key flower-producing area in Suryabinayak Municipality.

According to Prakash Jha of Madhyapur Thimi Municipality-5, a 1-kg garland of Sayapatri is being sold at Rs 1,500 in local markets.

Street vendor Pramila Lama, who sells Sayapatri flowers and garlands in the Radhe Radhe area, said prices began rising from Sunday, starting at the farm level itself. Flowers imported from Kavrepalanchowk, Sindhuli, Sindhupalchowk, and Panchkhal, previously priced at Rs 300 per kg, have now doubled to Rs 600 per kg as of yesterday.

Sayapatri flowers grown in open fields are currently selling at Rs 700–800 per kg, while tunnel-farmed flowers, prized for their durability and ability to remain fresh for up to a week, fetch up to Rs 1,300 per kg.

The price of Makhamali garlands has also risen notably. Previously sold to traders at Rs 25–30 per garland, they now cost Rs 40–45, while retail prices have soared to Rs 100 per piece.

However, there remains a significant gap between what farmers receive and what consumers pay, with middlemen reportedly reaping most of the profits.

Florist Anita Basnet shared that Gundu alone is supplying flowers and garlands worth around Rs 50 million this year, with individual farming families contributing garlands valued between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000.

Currently, Makhamali flowers are cultivated across 700 ropanis of land (1 ropani = 508.737 square meters) in Gundu, while Sayapatri covers around 300 ropanis.

According to another local supplier, Urmila Nagarkoti, the recent price hike at the farm level was driven by intense competition among middlemen and suppliers, all rushing to secure flowers for the festive season.

In addition to flowers, the prices of traditional citrus fruits used during Tihar, such as Bhogate (pomelo) and Bimiro (citron), have also surged. Bhogate now sells for Rs 150, up from Rs 60, while Bimiro has increased from Rs 30 to Rs 100–150.

(With inputs from Rastriya Samachar Samiti)