Tihar sees rise in domestic flower trade: marigold in Sunsari, natural garlands in Gulmi

With demand for domestic flowers rising during Tihar, trade in locally grown marigold and natural garlands has increased in the markets of Sunsari and Gulmi.

According to Laxman Bhattarai, manager of the Dharan agricultural produce market, flower trade worth more than Rs 150 million has taken place in Sunsari alone this year.

He said flower consumption is high in urban areas such as Dharan, Itahari, Inaruwa, Duhabi and Jhumka, where flowers are used to decorate homes, shops and vehicles. Since demand is higher in cities, farmers and traders from villages also come to the market to sell flowers.

Bhattarai said Nepali-grown flowers found a market this year because the government tightened controls on flowers coming in from outside, the festival arrived somewhat later than usual, and this coincided with the marigold flowering season.

In Gulmi, after local levels banned the sale and use of artificial garlands ahead of Tihar, marigold and makhmali garlands have become more visible in the markets of the district headquarters, Tamghas. The ban was imposed to promote natural flowers and preserve local tradition, and it has also encouraged consumers in rural markets to choose local flowers.

Ghanashyam Pandey of Resunga Municipality-1 said wearing garlands of natural flowers during Tihar is tied to Nepali culture and tradition.