With Saraswati Puja & Valentine’s Day coinciding, Kolkata florists are gear up for a double bonanza

The videshi and desi days of love, Valentine’s Day, and Saraswati Puja, are coinciding this year. So, it’s no surprise that Kolkata florists are rolling up their sleeves to meet the impending surge in demand, and city flower markets are already a riot of colours. We visited the Mallick Ghat flower market with actress Susmita Chatterjee for an exclusive shoot, and also to interact with the wholesalers there. Read on to know what’s trending and where you should head to buy that perfect flower for your soulmate.

Yellow is the new red

While red remains a classic favourite, Saraswati Puja and Valentine’s Day happening on the same day has pushed up the demand for yellow flowers. “The demand for yellow flowers is on a par with the red ones. From sunflowers to yellow gerberas, all yellow flowers are selling fast,” said Montu Haldar, a florist on College Street. To this, another florist Shaket Haldar added, “The price of yellow roses are now the same as the red ones.”



This year, a lot of imported sunflowers have flooded city markets. They are bigger and brighter and last for up to 45 days
Shreyansh Agarwal, florist on Wood Street

Roses are in demand throughout the year, but it quadruples during these seven days leading up to Valentine’s Day
Ritika Kedia, florist in Salt Lake



The market is full of different kinds and colours of marigold flowers this year. This is because of the unseasonal rains, which prompted early picking of the flowers
Swapan Das, a flower wholesaler at Mallick Ghat



Keep it simple but bright and exotic

Couples are also going for small bouquets made using orchids, lilies or other exotic flowers. “There is demand for these bouquets with teddy bears and chocolates in between,” says Rahul Hanswani, a florist in Alipore. “Some find the red roses overdone and flashy, so they go for something small, but unique,” he added.

Uptick in prices

A rose may be priced between `25 and `30 on any other day, but prices usually peak during Valentine's week. “Right now, the price of one red rose is `35 but as the day of love draws near, it will be around `70 to `80,” says Shreyansh Agarwal, a florist on Wood Street. Even the unpredictable weather has affected supply and price of flowers. “Due to rains, the supply from neighbouring districts has been slow, which has consequently affected the prices. There was also an early harvest due to the weather,” says Montu Haldar, a florist near College Street.
Shymal Kumar Manna, a flower wholesaler at Mallick Ghat, agreed and said, “The price of roses is on the high side as rose bushes got damaged due to unseasonal rainfall. Depending on the size and quality we’re selling 20 roses for `350-`400. Gerbera flowers are also in demand and are priced between `50 and `60 for 10 pieces.”

I’m visiting the Mallick Ghat flower market for the first time. The strings of marigold all around make the place look so beautiful. Even red roses are flooding the market; there’s so much love in the air!
Susmita Chatterjee, actress

I have received roses since my school days on V-Day. But I actually love sunflowers, as they are so bright and colourful. I would give a sunflower as a gift to someone I love, as it symbolises loyalty and adoration. Above all, it is a happy flower and can brighten someone’s mood
Susmita Chatterjee, actress

Pics: Tathagata Ghosh & Samik Sen; makeup: Kaju Guha; hair: Amrapali; styled by: Kiara Sen