Election Fever Boosts Flower Business: 200kg Garlands Become The New Norm
Election Fever Boosts Flower Business: 200kg Garlands Become The New Norm
As the election season reaches its peak, the flower business in Pune is blossoming like never before. With politicians and party workers going all out to make a grand impression, massive 20ft garlands made from 200kg of flowers have become the new norm. These gigantic floral tributes are not only a testament to the candidates’ popularity but also a boon for florists, flower farmers, and artisans.
A farmer and artisan based in Alandi while talking to the media said, crafting these massive garlands is a labor-intensive process that requires an entire day’s work. “It takes four to five people to lift each garland, and we use a combination of marigold, chrysanthemum, and Ashoka leaves to create the final product.”. Each garland costs between Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000 and is transported to rallies in tempos.
The election season has coincided with the wedding season, keeping florists and flower farmers on their toes. A florist said that five years ago, elections were not such a grand affair. “We’ve made five large garlands for leaders like Bhor’s Congress candidate and BJP’s Pune candidate,” he said.
The trend of using massive garlands has given a boost to the market and benefited farmers. Social media has played a significant role in promoting this trend, with many politicians and party workers sharing photos and videos of these floral tributes. Nearly 100 large garlands were crafted across the district this year for various parties.
The flower business has seen a significant increase in sales, with wholesalers selling over 30,000kg of flowers. Dadasaheb Kade, head of the flower section in Gultekdi Market Yard, said to the media that there is a slight increase in sales, between 10-15%, during the election period. As the election season comes to a close, it’s clear that the flower business has been a major beneficiary of the political fervor.
