@kabeeryousef -
Flower merchants in the Sultanate of Oman are in an upbeat mood as several tons of flowers are being sold these days prior to the culmination day of Onam, a festive day for expatriate Indians.
Tons of diverse flowers are being imported majorly from Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, two states of India known for their large assortment of flower cultivation and exports.
"Flower business this year is proving to be overwhelming as many tons of them are already sold off during the Onam days and many will be in disposal in the coming days in the run up to Sep 8," said Naushad KN, Amana Shopping which imports the largest amount of flowers into Oman.
However, the prices of flowers too have shot up and a kilo of flowers would cost anything between RO 5 to 7 and or above depending upon the demand and availability.
Onam is celebrated during the first 10 days of the month of Atham, a Malayali month which denotes flowers and colourful flowers and prosperity heralds a myth of the king Mahabali who believed to have lived for truth and peace.
Believers arrange floral carpets on every single day with a grand finale on the tenth day, which falls on Sep 8. Several kilos of flowers are needed for flower decorations on the patio everyday.
A range of jackfruit varieties is adding fervor to the gusto of Onam and there's a steady demand for jackfruit from both citizens and expatriates alike.
The often neglected fruit back home receives an enthusiastic welcome when it crosses the seas and a kilo of jackfruit would cost RO 2 and above. Thus, an average jackfruit would cost around RO 6 to 8 and above.
"There's an increasing demand for jackfruit in Oman as citizens as well as expatriates love this fruit and the prices too are high owing to the transportation costs," admits Naushad.
Jackfruit cultivation is seasonal and it grows during the monsoon which usually is from June to November and during summer, from April and May, the crop takes a break and exports of the same dips.
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