The prices of Makhamali (globe amaranth) and Sayapatri (marigold) flowers-essential items for the Tihar festival-have skyrocketed across Bhaktapur and nearby districts, with both wholesale and retail rates doubling within a week.
On the occasion of Laxmi Puja today, farmers in Gundu, a major flower-producing area in Suryabinayak Municipality, are selling Sayapatri flowers at Rs 700 per kilogram, up from Rs 300 just a week ago. In local markets, retail prices have surpassed Rs 1,000 per kilogram, reflecting an unprecedented surge as festive demand peaks.
According to resident Prakash Jha from Madhyapur Thimi Municipality-5, a one-kilogram Sayapatri garland is now selling at Rs 1,500 in the market.
Street vendor Pramila Lama, who sells flowers and garlands in the Radhe Radhe area, said the prices started climbing from Sunday, beginning right at the farm level. Flowers brought from Kavrepalanchowk, Sindhuli, Sindhupalchowk, and Panchkhal, previously priced at Rs 300 per kilogram, have now risen to Rs 600.
Flowers grown in open fields are being sold for Rs 700–800 per kilogram, while those cultivated in tunnels fetch as high as Rs 1,300 due to their longer shelf life and better quality.
The Makhamali garland market has also seen a notable jump. Previously sold to traders at Rs 25–30 per piece, wholesale prices have climbed to Rs 40–45, while retail prices now range from Rs 80 to Rs 100.
However, farmers complain that despite the price boom, they receive only a small share of the profits, as middlemen dominate the supply chain.
Florist Anita Basnet said Gundu alone is supplying flowers and garlands worth an estimated Rs 50 million this Tihar season. “Individual farming families are earning between Rs 10,000 and Rs 50,000 from garland sales this year,” she added.
Currently, Makhamali flowers are cultivated across about 700 ropanis of land, while Sayapatri covers around 300 ropanis in Gundu.
Local supplier Urmila Nagarkoti attributed the price escalation to intense competition among middlemen and wholesalers who rushed to secure stock for the festive season.
Alongside flowers, the prices of traditional citrus fruits used in Tihar rituals-Bhogate (pomelo) and Bimiro (citron)-have also soared. The price of Bhogate has jumped from Rs 60 to Rs 150, while Bimiro now costs Rs 100–150, up from Rs 30 per piece last week.
© 2026 All right reserved to Nepalraibar English | Site By : Sobij
