Marigold sales are likely to swell 37.5 percent this Tihar, as festive demand for the flower has surged in major urban centres, primarily the Kathmandu Valley, traders said.

Flower dealers expect to sell 1.1 million marigold garlands during the Tihar festival when Nepalis decorate their homes with long strings of orange and yellow flowers, according to the Floriculture Association of Nepal (Fan). Last year, 800,000 marigold garlands were sold.

The demand for marigold surges during Tihar as households of all income groups purchase the flower during the festival celebrated by Hindus, who make up around 70 percent of the population.

It is estimated that the Valley alone consumes around 75 percent of the marigolds sold across the country during Tihar. “Most of the stock expected to be sold in the Valley has already arrived. Further shipments will be delivered by Tuesday,” said Fan Vice-President Ramji Timilsina, without disclosing prices. “Marigold flowers may cost 10-15 percent more than last Tihar,” he added.

Most of the marigolds sold in the country are grown in Nuwakot, Dhading, Sindhuli, Kavre, Kaski and Chitwan. Around 30 percent of the requirement is imported from India. “This year, Nepal will be importing around 300,000 marigold garlands from India,” said Timilsina.

Tihar also sees a surge in demand for other flowers like globe amaranth (makhmali) and chrysanthemum (godavari).

These flowers, including marigold, are used during Laxmi Puja, the day when the Goddess of Wealth is worshipped, and Bhai Tika, the last day of the festival when brothers and sisters exchange blessings.

This year, the country is expected to see sales of around 300,000 globe amaranth garlands and 100,000 chrysanthemum and other garlands.

In total, 1.5 million garlands of different flowers worth Rs72 million are expected to be sold in the country this Tihar, according to the Fan.

Annual flower sales in Nepal are valued at Rs1.3 billion. Around 675 nurseries produce flowers on 141 hectares in 38 districts. More than 40,000 people are directly and indirectly involved in the sector which has drawn investments totalling Rs5 billion.