Flower garlands decorate Kathmandu Valley

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, Oct.31: The Kathmandu Valley has been decorated with flower garlands of garlands of Globosa Amaranthus (makhamali) and Marigolds owing to the festival of lights, Tihar.

The decoration of flowers can be observed in every nook and corner targeting Laxmi Puja, which is being celebrated today. 

Flowers garlands and flowers have been brought to Valley due to its high consumption and demand.

Farmers have started selling flower garlands produced in different districts in the main market of the valley.

Farmers have started selling flower garlands produced in different districts in the main market of the valley.

According to Min Bahadur Tamang, former President of the FAN, flowers produced in three districts of Valley and surrounding districts have started entering the market. 

Because of the ban on the import of flowers produced in India, domestic flowers have got reasonable sale price. 

He said that the price of garlands this year is about the same as last year. In the market, the cost Marigold garlands is around Rs 100 to 150 rupees and Makhamali  garlands is around Rs 50 to 60 rupees.

He said that it is estimated around 4 million Marigold and 475,000 Makhamali, and the rest of Godawari garlands will be consumed this Tihar. 

Marigold flowers are being cultivated commercially in different areas of all seven provinces.  Marigold flowers are mainly produced in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Chitwan, Dhading,Kavre, Makwanpur, Ramechhap, Jhapa, Ilam, Dhankuta, Sunsari, Morang, Dhanusha, Sarlahi, Saptari, Siraha, Rupandehi, Kaski, Syangja, Banke, Palpa, Tanahu, Dang, Kailali and others. 

He said that Sayapatri is consumed the most during Tihar. Even though the demand for Sayaptri has increased by 10- 15 per cent the domestic produce meets the demand. 

Since the government has banned the import of flowers since last year, no flowers have been imported, Gurung said, "Only domestically produced flowers have been brought into the market because the smuggled flowers have been controlled."