Florists in the city have their hands full at the moment, thanks to the Assembly elections.

There has been a step increase in sales at local flower markets because political parties are placing orders for garlands, especially marigold ones, for rallies.

A rough estimate from the florists showed that their sales had doubled.

Vinod Kumar Malakar, a florist in the Patna Junction area, said he is selling between 500 to 600 strings of marigold.

Before election season, he used to sell about 300 to 400 strings each day.

"Other than the normal marigold garlands, specially ordered ones, which weigh a quintal, are also being sold. These are mainly used in political rallies to felicitate leaders . In the past one month, I have sold around 35 of these. Each costs Rs 1,000. Normal marigold strings come at Rs 10 a piece."?

Vinod said garlands weighing 10 quintals are also in demand.

"Recently, I supplied a garland weighing 10 quintals for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rally in Biharsharif. The organisers had the garland specially made and it cost them Rs 10,000."

Twenty-five to 30 people are required to carry the 10-quintal garland.

"The garland is taken away from the shop with the help of mini tempos. Twenty-five to 30 people are required to lift it," said Vinod.

Ajay Malakar, another florist near Mahavir temple, said: "A party supporter came to me and ordered a 10-quintal marigold garland. He said it was important to the leader's prestige. A politician's stature is measured in terms of the weight of his garland. Such garlands are only used for important leaders."

According to the florists, the political parties ask for particular designs in some cases.

Surendra Kumar Malakar, a florist near Mahavir temple, said: "Few days before the first phase of polling, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had visited Patna. I had to arrange a garland in the colours of the national flag for him."?

Incidentally, orders have already started flowing in for the day of the election results.

"I have received about 50 orders for the result day and all have been placed by the leaders of the ruling party," said Vinod.

"They are very sure of winning this election. While most of the 50 orders are for one-quintal marigold garlands, one leader has placed an order an eight-quintal garland. Many leaders from the other party have also enquired about garland prices but no booking has been made ."

Whoever wins, the florists are happy that their business is flowering.

"The marriage season will commence from the third week of November. We hope to do good business then as well," said Bibhuti Kumar Malakar, a florist near Mahavir temple.