Flower and fruit prices soar ahead of Varamahalakshi festival in Bengaluru

Blooming prices: Crowds thronged K.R. Market on Wednesday, shopping for flowers, coconuts, fruits, vegetables and banana leaves ahead of the Varamahalakshmi festival, even as prices of flowers and fruits surged due to heightened demand. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR As demand for flowers and fruits surges ahead of Varamahalakshmi festival, prices have risen across Bengaluru markets.G.M. Diwakar, a member of the K.R. Market Flower Merchants Association, said, “Chrysanthemums are priced between ₹200 and ₹400 per kg, roses at ₹300 per kg, mallige (jasmine) at ₹500 to ₹800 per kg, and kanakambara at ₹3,000 per kg. On Thursday, prices are expected to rise again and may touch ₹4,500 per kg.”Mr. Diwakar explained, “As the lotus is believed to be the favourite flower of Goddess Lakshmi, people p