Inflation threatens Kerala's Onam festival flower market

Flower vendors across Kerala are bracing for a challenging Onam season as inflationary pressures weigh on consumer purchases of traditional Pookkalam arrangements. The floral displays, central to Kerala's harvest festival celebrations, typically see peak demand in the weeks leading up to Onam, but traders report that higher input costs have translated into elevated retail prices that are keeping buyers away.

The increased production and transportation expenses have forced many vendors to raise prices significantly compared to previous years. Small-scale flower growers and traders, who form the backbone of the seasonal market, have seen their margins squeezed as they struggle to maintain competitive pricing while covering mounting costs.

Market participants remain cautiously optimistic that sentiment will shift once educational institutions shut down for the holiday period. Traditionally, the closure of schools marks the beginning of widespread festive preparations among Kerala households, typically triggering a surge in flower purchases and Onam decorations.

Vendors are banking on this anticipated surge in consumer activity to compensate for the muted early-season demand. However, the extent of the recovery will depend on whether households choose to spend on festivities despite elevated prices, or whether inflation prompts them to scale back on celebratory expenditures.