Business bloom for florists in dry UP

Heat waves in Uttar Pradesh during summer usually lead to slump in the flower business.

However, elections have come as a godsend for florists with the demand for flowers, particularly rose petals, rising sharply.

Florists are already preparing for a boom next week when campaigning will speed up in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's constituency, Varanasi.

An estimated 1,000 kg of rose petals are used in one campaign roadshow. Besides, garlands and bouquets.

In constituencies where the Congress is strong, there is a demand for outsized tricolour garlands.

"We are making customized garlands and bouquets for the Congress and now the BJP wants similar bouquets with orange flowers. We are getting orange lilies from other places for the bouquets," said Kishan Yadav, a florist in Varanasi.