Farmers of Gundu, Bhaktapur, are busy plucking makhamali (globe amaranth) flowers as Tihar nears.

The farmers wake up early to pick up and weave the garlands.

The petals of makhamali have deep cultural significance during Bhaitika, as the flower never withers away, symbolising an everlasting bond between brothers and sisters.

Floriculture thrives highly during the Tihar festival. Over the past few years, floriculture has become the main source of income for the farmers of this region. 

Here are some of the photos of the farmers of the Gundu, Bhaktapur busy plucking makhamali flowers taken by post’s photojournalist Safal Prakash Shrestha.