Ban on celebrations in public hits flowers’ sale

CHENNAI: The State government ban on the installation of Vinayakar idols in public places for Chaturthi celebrations has dealt a body blow to flower vendors at Koyambedu wholesale market on Friday, sources said. Usually, the flower prices used to double or more during Vinayakar Chathurthi, but with the government curbs in place, traders complained of fewer takers.

“Even on the eve of Vinayakar Chathurthi, the prices didn’t rise as we expected. Many markets were selling flowers for Rs 2,000 per kg, but at the Koyambedu market the flowers were sold for less than Rs 900 per kg, and by Thursday evening the prices fell further down to less than Rs 400 per kg. The situation turned worse on Friday, with the prices coming down by 50 per cent with the market wearing a deserted look since Thursday evening,” said S Mookandi, Secretary of Koyambedu Flower Merchants Association.

“Usually, the festival will be celebrated for four days when idols were placed in public. But this year since it is banned our business has been impacted for the first time in all these years. It is doubtful that even for Ayudha Puja there will be a good sale,” he added.

Now, jasmine is sold for Rs 150 per kg, Jasminum sambac Rs 120 per kg, tuberose Rs 140 per kg, marigold Rs 100–120 per kg, rose Rs 80– 120 per kg, and damask rose Rs 70 per kg.

Meanwhile, the fruit vendors at the Koyambedu market, who were expecting prices to go up during Vinayakar Chathurthi, also were disappointed with no upswing in prices. The traders at Koyambedu fruit market rued that sales plunged since people were celebrating inside houses this time.