Pune: A shortage of flowers in wholesale markets has significantly increased the cost of decorating palkhis for this year’s Ashadhi wari, with organisers of the Sant Muktai and Sant Gora Kumbhar palkhis spending approximately Rs 25,000 to Rs 30,000 more on floral decorations than they did last year.Florists said reduced arrivals due to weather-related disruptions have driven up the prices of key flowers such as marigold, chrysanthemums and cut flowers, even as demand from palkhi processions remains high.“There is a huge shortage of flowers in the market. The price of locally cultivated marigold and chrysanthemum has increased three to four times. We use 200-250kg of flowers to decorate the smaller palkhis. It usually costs around Rs 55,000 to decorate a palkhi, but this time the cost has gone up by at least Rs 25,000,” said Subhash Sarpale, a floral decorator in the city.Another florist said, “Donors sponsor the palkhi decorations, and the additional cost is usually shared among them. However, if the shortage continues, it could become a major issue during the festive season.”Santosh Kumbharkar, head of the APMC flower market, said there is currently a shortage of nearly 60% in flower supplies. “Customer footfall has also reduced because of the rain, and a large quantity of flowers has been damaged due to the weather,” he said.The price of chrysanthemums (shewanti) has risen to Rs 200-250 per kg from the usual Rs 60-80 per kg. Similarly, marigold (zendu) now costs around Rs 100 per kg, compared with its normal price of Rs 30-40 per kg.“Vendors who earlier sold around 200 crates of flowers are now selling only about 50 crates. Local flowers are sourced from areas within a 60-70km radius of the city. Cut flowers such as gerberas and roses are available, but they, too, have become expensive,” said Arun Veer, president of the Pune Flower Traders’ Union at the APMC Market Yard.The shortage has also affected the events industry. Event planners and decorators are increasingly using a combination of artificial and fresh flowers for weddings and engagement ceremonies.“Many weddings take place during the monsoon season, so we are using a mix of 60% fresh flowers and 40% artificial flowers. Due to the shortage, the cost of both loose and cut flowers has increased,” said event decorator Madhav Kadam.
