A woman chooses a flower bouquet at a shop in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Dec. 31: The mood of celebration around the New Year and the upcoming municipal corporation poll has increased the business of flower traders in the city.

The florists in the city, who had been doing business in a tiny room-like structure, have extended a portion in front of their shops for display of flowers since New Year is the time when people purchase flowers in large quantities to gift each other.

“Normally people with political affiliation and officials purchase flowers to wish their seniors. This year’s election has given a boost to our business. We are hoping that people associated with political parties will buy flowers to offer to their voters in order to impress them. Besides, city residents, mostly youngsters buy flowers to wish to their near and dear ones,” said Raj Sekhar Biswal, a young flower trader near AG Square.

Biswal said that this year the local production of flowers had gone down due to the cyclone Phailin in October. They procure flowers from Bangalore and Calcutta to meet the demands here. According to him, flowers brought from Bangalore are costly while those brought from Calcutta are sold at a lesser price. While a Calcutta rose costs Rs 5, Dutch rose or Bangalore rose is sold at Rs 15 to 20 a piece.

Florists in the city said that other flowers such as gerbera, gladiolus, lilium have a greater demand for such occasions. All these flowers are costly with lilium being the costliest among them. Six piece of lilium cost Rs 800. All the florists have ordered for flowers worth more than Rs one lakh to Rs 10 lakh for the next week.

“All our florists expect good business this season. Normally, we have better business during the wedding season, but this New Year and BMC election has brought smiles for us,” said Nalinikant Jena, president of Capital Florists’ Association. Many candidates contesting for the election have ordered for roses to be gifted to their potential voters during their campaigning.

It is said that some florists remain in touch with the employees of top government officials and political bosses for recycling of these flowers. The recycling of flowers is common, as some florists collect these sold-out bouquets and sell them again. “Normally these flowers cost a little less and those who are not ready to pay much buy these flowers,” said a florist.