Abundant lotus harvest in south Bengal dases Durga Puja supply concerns | Kolkata News – The Times of India

HOWRAH/KHARAGPUR: There will be no crisis for lotus flowers, an essential ingredient in Durga Puja rituals, following abundant yield of lotuses in the southern districts that has alleviated the perennial supply crunch and high prices typically associated with the festival season. This year, districts such as Howrah, Midnapore, Birbhum, and Burdwan have reported a bumper harvest, ensuring a steady supply of the sacred flower crucial for the worship of Goddess Durga.Narayan Chandra Nayak, General Secretary of the All Bengal Flower Growers and Flower Traders Association, confirmed that the local production of lotuses has been exceptionally high this year. “The festival is occurring earlier than usual, and the absence of dew has allowed for a robust yield,” Nayak explained. “Additionally, the lack of major flooding in our flower-growing districts has preserved the quality and quantity of the lotus crops.“Traditionally, the demand for lotuses peaks during Durga Puja, with an estimated ten million flowers required across the state on the day of Maha Ashtami alone. The ritual of offering 108 lotuses to the goddess is a significant aspect of the celebrations, making the flower an indispensable part of the festivities.

In previous years, the scarcity of locally grown lotuses often led to reliance on imports from neighboring states like Odisha, driving up costs for puja organisers. However, this year, the situation has reversed. “There will be no need to import lotuses from other states,” Nayak assured. “The local supply is more than sufficient to meet the demand.”The wholesale markets, including Kolkata’s renowned Mallickghat, have already seen a significant drop in prices, with lotuses selling for as low as Rs 3-4 each. Even if retail prices double, they are expected to remain below Rs 10 per flower during the peak festival days, a stark contrast to previous years when prices soared due to scarcity.This price reduction is a boon for puja committees, which often allocate a substantial portion of their budget to procuring flowers. With the current abundance, organisers can redirect funds to other aspects of the celebrations, enhancing the overall experience for devotees.While the lower prices may not fulfill the hopes of lotus farmers for a windfall during the festival season, the overall stability in supply and demand is seen as a positive development for the region’s agricultural economy. Farmers have also taken proactive measures by storing lotuses in cold storage, ensuring a steady supply throughout the festival period.As the state gears up for the grand celebrations, the abundant lotus harvest stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of Bengal’s farmers, promising a vibrant and uninterrupted Durga Puja for all.