It’s a clean sweep by red Roses every Valentine’s Day but what happens if Saraswati puja also falls on February 14? This year roses had stiff competition from the marigold, that is needed for the puja.
“Till the morning of February 14, marigold was leading sales as the pujas had to be conducted. But later in the day, roses overtook sales,” said Sanjib Maity, a florist at BD Market. “But I wish the two occasions were on different dates. We get flowers from Mallick Ghat and there was massive rush there today. And the flowers are so expensive that we retailers will hardly have a margin left after sales. Still, we’ve got roses of different colours, priced between Rs 30 and 50 per piece to suit all budgets.”
Customers buy flowers from a stall at Kwality More
“The Valentine’s week is one of the busiest times of the year for us, especially in terms of roses. Besides the classic red rose, youngsters buy yellow and other pastel coloured roses too. They buy a dozen or a mixed bouquet with different colors,” said Joydeb and Anita Mondal, who sell flowers in the NKDA Market in Action Area 1A.
But this year, there was an equal rush for marigolds. “Customers came looking for the brightest and most fragrant marigolds to decorate idols at homes, schools, and community spaces. We received bulk orders from various schools,” said the vendors who source flowers from Mullick Ghat or Howrah flower market. “At the end of the day, however, roses outsold marigolds.”
At CA Market, marigold took the cake. “Marigold is the first pick for Saraswati puja but over the last few years, people are also going for some beautiful white and purple blooms. Either way, marigold outsold all other flowers today, rose included,” said Binota Mondal. “I’d kept a good stock of roses and many customers who were out for buying puja flowers picked up small bouquets of Rs 50-100 as per their budgets.”
Customers’ conundrum
Buyers had their own dilemmas. “Valentine’s Day is synonymous with roses. I wanted to get a bouquet for my wife, as I do every year, but with Saraswati puja at home today I have to think of the pocket. I’m skipping the bouquet today and getting her a single rose,” said Rabin Ghosh of AL Block.
Purnima Nandi was irritated with the exorbitant prices of roses on Saraswati puja. “I usually offer roses to Saraswati at home but this year a single stalk is priced at nearly Rs 50. Even if I buy 10 roses it would mean a lump sum of Rs 500,” said the AE Block resident.
Baibhab Pal was oblivious to the romance of February 14. “I had no clue why everyone was buying so many roses today,” said the AD Block resident who had gone to BD Market to buy marigolds for his puja at home. “When I asked around and learnt it was Valentine’s Day, I took a little bouquet for everyone at home. It’s fun to do something different.”