Valley expected to consume about 5.2 million garlands this Tihar

The Floriculture Association Nepal estimates that about 5.2 million flower garlands will be consumed in the Kathmandu Valley during Tihar.

According to the association, trade in these garlands will reach about NPR 480 million. Demand is highest for marigold (sayapatri), with an estimated 4.5 million garlands expected to be sold.

The association said about 600,000 garlands of makhmali (globe amaranth), about 20,000 of godavari, and about 60,000 of mixed flowers are expected to be consumed.

In the wholesale market, a single sayapatri garland costs about NPR 90 on average, makhmali about NPR 45, and godavari about NPR 1,200, according to calculations.

Association chair Rajeshbhakta Shrestha said about 4 million of the total garlands will be produced domestically. He claimed that domestic flowers alone will meet Tihar demand this year.

Meanwhile, the 19th Godavari Flower Competition and Exhibition will be held in Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, from Kartik 12 to 16. According to organizers, the exhibition will feature about 78 commercial stalls and about 450 varieties of flowers and plants. Organizers estimate about 39,000 people will visit the fair.