Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (RJP)

Mangaluru, Oct 11:  The prices of flowers in coastal districts have reached a level where common people cannot afford them during this festive season.

Due to Navaratri celebrations, flowers traded 20 to 30 % higher than their last week prices. In some cases the price rise was as much as 50%.

Queen of flowers, famous Shankarapura Mallige (jasmine) was available at Rs 1200 per ‘atte’ (a standard bundle). The price was Rs 800 last week.

Sevanthige flower was sold at Rs 30 per ‘Mola’ (a standard length)   while it was available at Rs 20 last week.

Gonde flower has arrived in big quantity from outside districts. Still the demand is higher than the supply. Hence even this commonly used and abundantly available flower is beyond the reach of many devotees.

Flower traders said the price will come down soon. But that is of no use as festive will be over by then.

Many Pooja rituals are observed during Navaratri including just concluded Ayudha Pooja.