Kathmandu, October 30
With Dashain, the biggest festival of Nepalis, now over, another important festival, Tihar, is drawing near. Farmers growing velvet flowers in the Gundu area of Bhaktapur are occupied with finding time to pick the flowers and string them into garlands.
Most farmers in the area grow velvet flowers commercially, targeting Tihar. They are busy picking the flowers that have bloomed in their fields, and families are stringing the garlands together. The sight of people sitting in their courtyards weaving flowers and preparing garlands has added to the festive atmosphere in the village.
The farmers have no problem finding a market for their flowers and garlands. Traders from Kathmandu come to the farmers’ homes to place orders, and the farmers are preparing garlands according to the traders’ demand.
According to the farmers, a single velvet flower garland sells for up to Rs 25. They expect both demand and prices to rise as Tihar gets closer.
The velvet flower is the special flower that sisters place on their brothers during Bhai Tika. Because it is believed never to wither, it carries cultural significance as a symbol of love, closeness and lasting relationships.
