KATHMANDU, Oct 11: An estimated two million units of marigold garlands will be used in the upcoming Tihar, the festival of light. The festival will start from October 22.

According to Floriculture Association Nepal (FAN), the projected demand is 10 percent more than the amount of the last year. Of the total consumption, Nepal will have to import 300,000 garlands from India to meet the domestic demand during the festival.

Last year, the demand for marigold garlands was 1.815 million units. Kathmandu Valley, Dhading, Chitwan, Kavrepalanchok, Sindhupalchok, Nuwakot, Gorkha, Makwanpur, Ramechhap, Jhapa, Ilam, Dhankuta, Kaski, Syangja, Bake, Palpa, Tanahu, Dang, Morang, Dhanusha, Sarlahi, Saptari and Kailali are the main producers of marigold flower in the local market.

Likewise, 300,000 garlands of globe amaranth and 20,000 garlands of chrysanthemum are estimated to be used in this Tihar. FAN has estimated the total turnover of flowers to remain over Rs 123 million this year.  

 
• Tihar
 
• flowers
 
• imports