Thane: With the festive season of Kartiki Ekadashi and Tulsi Vivah underway, Thane has come alive with vibrant decorations and bustling preparations for the symbolic wedding of Goddess Tulsi. The areas around Thane Railway Station, Jambhli Naka, and the main market are adorned with flowers and festive items such as sugarcane, tamarind-berries, earthen pots, and glittering headbands. However, continuous rainfall in recent days has disrupted flower supply, causing a noticeable hike in prices.

Despite the shortage, market activity remains strong, with heavy cash transactions reported by local vendors. Marigolds in yellow, saffron, and red hues are the top sellers, priced between Rs 60 and Rs 300 per kilogram. Chrysanthemums range from Rs 60 to Rs 200 per kilogram, while other flowers such as asters, jasmine, tuberose, champa, hibiscus, roses, golden champa, and gerberas are also being sold in large quantities. Flowers like jasmine, jui, and Arabian jasmine are particularly popular for making garlands and traditional hair adornments.

The monsoon’s impact on flower cultivation has been felt across major supply points like Jambhli Naka, Gokhale Road, and Thane Station, leading to a sharp rise in prices. Garlands that previously sold for Rs 100–Rs 200 are now priced between Rs 400 and Rs 500. Meanwhile, demand for sugarcane, tamarind berries, and other wedding decorations remains high as residents prepare for the sacred rituals.

According to Muktabai Shivale, a vendor from Siddhivinayak flower merchants, the rainfall has reduced flower production by nearly 10%, triggering the price surge. The hike, she added, has also affected the rates of daily pooja items, including garlands, hair flowers, and festive decorations, as Thane gears up for the joyous Tulsi Vivah celebrations.

Current flower prices in Thane’s main market:

* Yellow marigold – ₹80 (½ kg)

* Saffron marigold – ₹80 (½ kg)

* Mango leaves – ₹30–₹50 (per bunch)

* Roses – ₹200 (per bunch)

* Lotus – ₹30 (each)

* Yellow aster – ₹80–₹150 (½ kg)

* Purple aster – ₹150 (½ kg)

* Hair garland (Gajara) – ₹50 (each)

* Hair braid (Veni) – ₹40 (each)

* Loose roses – ₹150 (per kg)

* Namdhari flowers – ₹80 (½ kg)

* Floral garlands – ₹40 to ₹400 (each)

* Yellow chrysanthemum – ₹200–₹300 (per kg)

* White chrysanthemum – ₹200–₹300 (per kg)

* Orchid – ₹40–₹50 (per stem)

* Mogra – ₹800 (per kg)

* Tulsi – ₹60 (per bunch)

* Champa – ₹20 (4 flowers)

* Sugarcane – ₹30 (per stick)

* Tamarind-berries – ₹20 (per portion)