Flower shops in Barishal saw brisk business on Saturday as crowds of young men and women thronged outlets to mark Pohela Falgun and Valentine’s Day.
According to the Bangla calendar, the first day of spring fell on 14 February this year, coinciding with Valentine’s Day on the Gregorian calendar.
The twin celebrations drew people of different ages to flower shops to buy bouquets and single stems for loved ones. Some arrived with partners, while others came with family members.
Traders displayed a range of local and imported flowers, with roses leading demand. Buyers and sellers alike said prices were higher this year, but sales remained strong.
Afroza, who came to purchase flowers, said love is not limited to romantic relationships.
She said receiving flowers from her father brought her joy and showed that love extends to parents and family as well.
Another buyer, Sonia, said she wanted to spend quality time with her loved one on a day that symbolises both spring and affection. She said love for others should remain throughout the year.
Gazi Ful Ghar trader Mujahar Gazi said flower sales have increased since the beginning of the year during various occasions.
He said demand was particularly strong on spring and Valentine’s Day, although prices were higher than before. Jamie Corner florist Tawosif Rahman said flower prices have risen partly because vehicles did not operate for several days during the election period.
He said higher transport costs in bringing supplies earlier led to slightly increased retail prices. Retailers sourced flowers from wholesale markets, including roses, marigold, tuberose, gladiolus, gerbera, rathstick, gypsy, calendula, chrysanthemum, botham and sunflower.
Good quality roses are now selling between Tk60 and Tk80 per stem. Tuberose sticks are priced around Tk50 depending on quality, marigold garlands at Tk120 each, gerbera at Tk50, orchid sticks at Tk80 and sunflower at Tk200 per piece.
Gladiolus is being sold at varying prices depending on colour. Buyers said they planned to celebrate the day with loved ones while also welcoming the spring season.
Traders expressed satisfaction with the strong sales, saying demand for flowers has picked up further following the end of the election period.
