Mangaluru: With Sri Krishna Janmashtami, popularly observed as Ashtami, just a day away, the city is gradually embracing the festive spirit, with colourful flower stalls, fresh vegetables and increased shopper activity bringing a lively atmosphere to markets and streets.
Flower vendors across the city have started witnessing a noticeable rise in demand as residents make preparations for the festival. People are visiting markets to purchase flowers for decorating homes, offering at temples and carrying out various festive rituals.
Jasmine, marigold, chrysanthemum and other varieties have begun adding vibrant colours to the city’s markets, signalling the arrival of the festival season.
Flower demand rises ahead of Ashtami
Ashtami is traditionally marked by prayers, temple visits and household celebrations, with flowers forming an important part of festive preparations.
With the festival approaching, flower shops have begun attracting more customers. Vendors have been displaying their produce prominently, while shoppers are picking up flowers for different religious and decorative purposes.
The increased activity has brought a festive look to several market areas. The sight of colourful flowers alongside fresh vegetables has added to the sense of anticipation among residents preparing for the celebrations.
For flower sellers, the days leading up to major festivals are an important opportunity to increase sales. The arrival of larger quantities of flowers has also helped vendors meet the rise in demand.
Better flower availability brings relief
According to flower vendor Suresh, the availability of flowers has improved compared with previous seasons, offering some relief to both traders and customers.
“This time, comparatively more flowers have arrived. During the rainy season, flower prices tend to be higher, but now the prices are relatively lower. Customers can buy more flowers at affordable prices,” he said.
The improved availability has helped keep prices relatively moderate despite the increase in festival demand.
Flower prices can often rise during the monsoon because adverse weather conditions can affect cultivation, harvesting and transportation. Better arrivals this season have therefore come as welcome news for customers looking to purchase larger quantities for the festival.
For households planning elaborate decorations or multiple offerings, relatively affordable prices can make festive shopping more convenient.
Vendors hope for good festival business
The increase in customer footfall has raised hopes among flower sellers of stronger business during the festive period.
Festivals such as Janmashtami, Ganesha Chaturthi, Nagara Panchami and Vijayadashami traditionally create additional demand for flowers. Small vendors and flower growers often depend on such seasonal increases in sales to supplement their regular income.
With Ashtami approaching, vendors are expecting customer activity to remain strong over the next few days.
The availability of different varieties has also given shoppers more choices, with customers able to select flowers according to their requirements and budgets.
For vendors, the festive period is therefore not only a time of increased activity but also an opportunity to recover from slower periods and improve earnings.
Fresh vegetables add to festive atmosphere
The festive preparations are not limited to flower purchases. Vegetable stalls across the city have also begun filling up with fresh produce used by households during the celebrations.
The combination of vegetables, flowers and increased shopper movement has transformed the appearance of several market areas.
Customers can be seen making last-minute purchases as families prepare for the festival. The fresh produce on display, along with the colourful flower arrangements, has added vibrancy to the city’s commercial areas.
For many residents, shopping in the bustling markets has itself become part of the festive experience.
Mangaluru gets ready for Ashtami
The growing activity in the markets indicates that Mangaluru is preparing to welcome Ashtami with enthusiasm.
While vendors are hoping for strong sales, customers appear pleased with the improved availability of flowers and relatively reasonable prices. The presence of fresh vegetables has further added to the festive shopping experience.
As the festival draws closer, market activity is expected to increase further, with residents completing their preparations and purchasing flowers and other essentials.
With colourful stalls lining the markets and shoppers making their final purchases, Mangaluru is gradually moving into a cheerful festive mood ahead of Sri Krishna Janmashtami.