Flower, fruit prices burn holes in pockets ahead of Shravana festivities in Bengaluru
A slew of festivals, including Varamahalakshmi, Krishna Janmashtami, and Gowri-Ganesha, are set to be observed in the coming weeks, and the market is already feeling the pressure.
At KR Market, Bengaluru's largest wholesale flower hub, vendors are witnessing brisk sales despite steep price hikes. Chrysanthemums, which already touched Rs 300 per kg during the non-festive Aashada month, are now retailing at Rs 350–400 per kg.
Jasmine is priced between Rs 300 and Rs 500 per kg, and kanakambara has hit Rs 600 per kg. "This year, rains ruined a lot of crops in Chikkaballapura and Kolar. Supply dropped drastically.
We have no choice but to raise prices," said Manjunath Gowda, a flower wholesaler at KR Market.
The sharp rise is not limited to flowers alone. Fruits traditionally used in puja have also seen a price surge. Sweet lime and custard apple are selling at Rs 100 per kg, while apples and pomegranates are hovering around Rs 200–250.
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Yelakki bananas, a staple for offerings, have crossed Rs 100 per kg. Vendors attribute the hike to increased transportation costs and damaged crops in key supply regions.
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Coconuts, essential for rural Gowri-Ganesha celebrations, remain costly too. These are used in large numbers for temple rituals and offerings to sacred trees and shrines. "Even the small coconuts are selling for Rs 40–50 each. There's no sign of the price coming down," said Syed Rafiq, another vendor, who sources coconuts from Tumakuru and coastal Karnataka.
Adding to the crisis is the monsoon itself. "Flowers don't last even a day in this weather. Half our stock gets wasted if it rains during transport or at the stalls. Unless there's a break in the rain and supply improves, this price trend will continue," said Lakshmi Sundari, a vendor who has been selling at KR Market for over 20 years.
BOX:
Costly affair
Jasmine: Rs 300–500
Chrysanthemum: Rs 150–250
Rose: Rs 150
Kanakambara: Rs 600
Elaichi Banana: Rs 100
Sweet Lime: Rs 100
Custard Apple: Rs 70
Pomegranate: Rs 200–250
Small-sized Pomegranate: Rs 150
*Cost per kg at wholesale at KR Market
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