Flower prices bloom at Thovalai market amid Panguni Uthiram festival

Thovalai: Thovalai is famous all over Tamil Nadu, especially the southern part of the state, for its large wholesale flower market. Recently, the flower prices were touching the sky. Customers were running from pillar to post to purchase flowers on the occasion of the Panguni Uthiram festival. The festival was celebrated on Friday in temples dedicated to Sastha and family deities. Flower buyers came to Thovalai to purchase flowers. A heavy rush was seen on Thursday; due to the huge demand, the prices surged.

The price of the jasmine was at Rs 750 per kg on Friday, while ‘pichipoo’ (fragrant flowers used in garlands) was sold at a high price of Rs 2,500 per kilogram. Pink oleander (arali) was available at Rs 250 per kilogram. The price of red and white varieties was between Rs 600 and Rs 650, respectively. But the demand for milky white chrysanthemums was at its peak; its price was Rs 650 per kilogram.

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A wholesale flower dealer at the market named Subramanian, said strong business has brought happiness to this face in recent days. He further added that paneer roses and magnolia flowers were not available in a huge quantity amid sudden summer rain, but in totality, the demand for garlands and loose flowers remained high.

He went on to say that people from the nearby districts, along with customers from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, stepped into the Thovalai market for the purchase of flowers. Subramanian has been hoping that the market will remain busy until Tamil New Year and Vishu, which falls in Kerala soon after.