5.2 Million Flower Garlands Expected in Tihar; Rs 480 Million Trade

KATHMANDU – About 5.2 million flower garlands are estimated to be used in the Kathmandu Valley during this year’s Tihar.

At a press conference on Tuesday, Floriculture Association Nepal said that in the coming Tihar, 4.5 million marigold (sayapatri) garlands, 600,000 globe amaranth (makhamali) garlands, 20,000 Godawari garlands and 60,000 mixed-flower garlands will be used.

Association president Rajesh Bhakta Shrestha claimed that domestically produced flowers and garlands will meet the demand this Tihar. “We estimate that about 5.2 million garlands of various flowers will be needed during Tihar,” he said. “Trade worth about Rs 480 million is expected for the 5.2 million garlands.”

Shrestha said the association expects about 4 million of the 5.2 million garlands to be available from domestic production.

According to the association, at an average wholesale price of Rs 90 per garland, the 4.5 million marigold garlands will be worth Rs 405 million. The 600,000 makhamali garlands, at an average wholesale price of Rs 45 each, will be worth Rs 27 million.

The 20,000 Godawari garlands, at an average wholesale price of Rs 1,200 each, will be worth Rs 24 million, and the 60,000 mixed-flower garlands, at an average wholesale price of Rs 400 each, will be worth Rs 24 million, it said.

Meanwhile, the association will hold the 19th Godawari Flower Competitive Exhibition at Jawalakhel, Lalitpur, from Kartik 12 to 16, said Suman Maharjan, the association’s vice-president and the fair’s coordinator.

The fair will have 78 commercial flower stalls, including a selfie area. The organiser said 450 species of flowers and plants will be displayed. About 39,000 people are expected to visit the fair.