Kathmandu Valley is expected to consume around 5.18 million flower garlands during Tihar this year, according to the Floriculture Association Nepal.

The association estimates demand for 4.5 million marigold garlands, 600,000 globe amaranth garlands, 20,000 chrysanthemum garlands and 60,000 mixed-flower garlands. It also expects 200,000 globe amaranth garlands to be exported.

Last year, the valley consumed 4 million marigold garlands and around 550,000 globe amaranth garlands. Rajesh Bhakta Shrestha, president of the Floriculture Association Nepal, said domestic production would meet most of this year’s demand.

Flower garlands alone are expected to generate Rs480 million in sales during Tihar, Shrestha said. Domestic production is projected to meet 88.89 percent of demand, leaving a shortfall of around 11.11 percent.

“Because of the open border, small quantities of flower garlands are smuggled into the country every year,” he said.

The association estimates that a marigold garland will cost an average of Rs90 at wholesale this Tihar. At that rate, sales of marigold garlands alone are expected to reach Rs405 million.

A globe amaranth garland is expected to cost Rs45, while a chrysanthemum garland is estimated at Rs1,200. Mixed-flower garlands will fetch around Rs400 each at wholesale.

The association has also released estimates for sales of marigold plants and potted chrysanthemums during the festival.

Around 3.5 million marigold plants are expected to be sold at Rs30 each, generating an estimated Rs105 million in sales. Meanwhile, demand for potted chrysanthemums is projected to reach 800,000 pots, priced at Rs75 each, generating another Rs60 million.

Overall, sales of flower garlands, marigold plants and potted chrysanthemums are expected to total Rs645 million during Tihar.

Shrestha urged consumers to buy locally grown flowers wherever possible to help meet the festival’s demand through domestic production.