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Time of India

Flower, fruit prices burn holes in pockets ahead of Shravana festivities in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: With the onset of Shravana, the holiest month in the Hindu calendar, prices of flowers, fruits, and coconuts surged across Bengaluru, driven by high demand and poor supply. 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like World's 25 Best Cities to Live In Learn More Undo 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. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru 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