Flower Prices Surge In Bengaluru Ahead Of Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi

As Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi near, Bengaluru residents are bustling with preparations. The enthusiasm was palpable with many purchasing idols, flowers, fruits, pooja items, and other essentials for the festival.

The market saw increased foot traffic. Police were managing the crowd to ensure smooth movement.

Vegetable Prices Remain Stable

"Green peas are being sold at ₹260 per kg. Onions at ₹60, green chilies and beans at ₹80 per kg. The supply of vegetables is adequate, and prices for most vegetables have remained stable," said vegetable traders Akram and Sunil from K.R. Market.

Cost of Flowers Remains High

"Compared to the Varalakshmi Vratam, also called Varalakshmi Puja festival, flower prices for Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi have decreased. Kanakambaram flowers are currently being sold at ₹3,000 per kg, though they are still expensive. During the Varalakshmi festival, the price reached ₹4,000 per kg, but it has dropped to ₹800 per kg now. As the festival nears, prices have seen a significant rise," said flower traders Shabbir and Suhas from K.R. Market.

Possible Price Increase for Jasmine Flowers:

"Jasmine flowers are currently priced at ₹600 per kg. There is a chance that prices may rise slightly on Thursday," they added.

There is high demand in the market for flower garland, betel and fruits. The purchase of banana leaves, flower garlands, and pooja items has also increased. Betel garlands are priced at ₹50, and garike (a type of leaf) bundles at ₹30. Prices vary across regions.

Temporary stalls selling flowers, fruits, and Ganesha idols have sprung up in various parts of the city including Gandhi Bazaar, Jayanagar, Basavanagudi, Banaswadi, Rajajinagar, and Malleswaram.

A variety of Gauri-Ganesh idols are available in the market. The sales of these idols have intensified since Wednesday. Additionally, women preparing for Gauri Ganesh Chaturthi are buying different types of Gauri idols such as Gaja Gauri and Madiga Gauri.

Price Rise for Coriander:

Due to continuous rainfall in the state affecting coriander crops, there has been an increase in coriander prices, impacting customers. Coriander is being sold at ₹60 per bundle, up from ₹20 per bundle a few days ago. The drop in supply is a reason for the price hike, according to APMC traders and K.R. Market coriander vendors.

"The price of coriander has risen due to the rain. The supply of Natti coriander has decreased. A bundle of thick coriander is priced at ₹50-60, while smaller bundles are priced at ₹30," said coriander trader Girija.