Low arrivals hike prices of flowers, greens for garlands

While many jasmine varieties are approximately Rs 300 a kg, kanakambaram is around Rs 300. Greens such as marikolunthu that are interspersed in these garlands cost Rs 20 for a bunch and up to Rs 70 for a kg.

This is a cause of concern for vendors and florists alike because supply is low compared to high demand. Chennai Koyambedu Flower Wholesale Merchant Association Present MD Arul Visuvasam said, “Until May, we were facing a dip in supply of flowers because of the high temperatures during Agni Natchathram. However, now the bigger issue seems to be the water shortage. Many parts of the State from where we get supply barely have water, so how will flowers grow?”

This has also resulted in a dearth of leaves and grasses such as dhavanam, maruvakam, lavancha (vettiver grass) and marikolunthu. “All of these are considered sacred to Hindu culture and garlands made from them — usually placed between flowers — are offered to different deities. Hence, they will always be in demand but I don’t seem to spot many bundles in the market this year,” shared Malini C, a blogger about Indian culture and heritage. Only hardy varieties such as arugampul and tulsi are easily available and cost Rs 20 and Rs 40 respectively.

Somasundaram V (43) works at a garland stall in Pondy Bazar and said that prices of the finished product have gone up because of expensive raw materials. “June has nearly 13 wedding muhurtham days. So many people will come forth to buy garlands, apart from the demand from temples. However, a green leaf garland costs between Rs 200-400 and jasmine garlands (four feet long) can be as expensive as Rs 1,750 per piece depending on the thickness.”