Udupi: Shankarpura jasmine, one of the region’s well-known varieties of jasmine, has witnessed a steep rise in prices with the onset of Navaratri, putting pressure on consumers purchasing flowers for worship and festive celebrations.
The flower was selling for as much as ₹1,600 per Atte in the open market on Sunday, October 11. Around 15 days earlier, prices ranged between ₹240 and ₹300 per Atte, highlighting the sharp change in market rates.
The increase comes as demand for flowers rises during Navaratri and Dasara, when jasmine and other varieties are widely used for religious offerings and decorations.
Shankarpura jasmine sees sharp price increase
Shankarpura jasmine, known for its fragrance, is in particularly high demand during the festive season. The latest increase follows a period of lower prices during Pitru Paksha, which came after Ganeshotsava.
With Navaratri celebrations under way, demand has risen considerably, pushing open-market prices well above the levels recorded just over two weeks ago.
The difference between the earlier market rate and Sunday’s price illustrates the scale of the increase. At the lower end of the earlier range, the current price is more than five times higher.
Growers’ association fixes rate at ₹570
While the open-market price of Shankarpura jasmine reached ₹1,600 per Atte, the Mallige Growers’ Association has fixed its rate at ₹570 per Atte, the report said.
The difference between the association’s rate and the open-market price is substantial. Consumers buying flowers through different sellers may therefore encounter considerable variations in prices.
The report did not specify the reasons for the full difference between the association’s rate and the open-market price.
Jaji flower prices also climb
The rise has not been limited to Shankarpura jasmine. Jaji flowers have also become more expensive amid the festive demand.
Jaji was selling for ₹800 per Atte in the open market, while the Mallige Growers’ Association had fixed its rate at ₹160 per Atte.
The price movements indicate an upward trend across different flower varieties in the region as Navaratri and Dasara celebrations continue.
Festival demand drives flower market
Flowers play an important role in Navaratri worship, with jasmine among the varieties commonly sought for offerings to the goddess. The increase in seasonal demand has coincided with the ongoing celebrations, contributing to the rise in prices.
Market sources cited in the report indicated that Shankarpura jasmine prices could climb further as Dasara festivities reach their peak. However, any further increase will depend on market conditions and demand in the coming days.
For consumers, the sharp rise means that purchasing flowers for daily worship and festival rituals may cost significantly more than it did in late September.
With festive activities continuing across the coastal region, prices of jasmine and other flowers are being closely watched by buyers and sellers alike.