Water lily prices soar ahead of festival

Sumit Bhattacharya | NT

Bengaluru: K R Market witnessed a surge in buyers seeking ritualistic items on the eve of Varamahalakshmi.

A wide array of products, including coconuts, water lilies, garlands, flowers, roses, and tulasi, were up for sale, with prices escalating swiftly due to the growing demand.

Water lily vendor Abdul Bashir shed light on the pricing dynamics, stating, “Our prices are influenced by market rates. When market rates rise, we’re compelled to increase our prices.”

He noted that while the price hike wasn’t causing losses, it also didn’t yield substantial profits. Over time, prices skyrocketed. Water lilies, previously sold at Rs 25 each, became 150 percent costlier, mirroring the trend in banyan leaves and flowers.

Water lily prices surged to 44 rupees per piece, coconuts increased from 42 to 50 rupees per kilogram, and the cost of flower garlands ranged from 250 to a staggering Rs 2,500 rupees per piece for the largest sizes.