Retail prices of yellow marigold flowers in Kolkata have surged nearly five times this week as the city gears up for Saraswati Puja and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary on Friday. Flower traders noted that prices typically rise during this period, but this year, the increase is more significant due to lower production caused by fluctuating winter temperatures.
A member of the West Bengal government’s task force mentioned that the demand for marigold flowers is exceptionally high this year as Saraswati Puja and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s birth anniversary coincide on the same day. In Kolkata, two main varieties of marigolds, saffron, and yellow, are available, with prices for both being unusually high this year, particularly the yellow variety.
While both varieties usually sell for Rs 15 to Rs 20 per kg, yellow marigolds are currently priced between Rs 80 and Rs 90 a kg, and saffron marigolds are selling for Rs 50 to Rs 60 a kg. A retailer at the municipal market in Kasba mentioned that the prices of yellow marigolds are expected to decrease starting from Monday onwards, especially since they are essential for Saraswati Puja.
Cherry flowers, another essential item for the puja, have also witnessed a significant price hike, currently selling at Rs 120 to Rs 150 a kg compared to the usual Rs 35 to Rs 40 a kg. The color yellow, or basanti, holds special cultural significance during Saraswati Puja in Bengali tradition, with yellow marigolds being widely used, and boys wearing yellow kurtas and girls donning yellow sarees while offering prayers to the goddess.
Saraswati Puja, often described as “Bengali Valentine’s Day,” has historical roots in providing a platform for students from different schools and backgrounds to meet openly and respectfully. This tradition has led to the festival being affectionately referred to as “Bengali Valentine’s Day.”
