Bhaktapur, Nepal – As Tihar, the Hindu festival of lights, approaches, farmers in Gundu, Suryabinayak Municipality-7, Bhaktapur, are hard at work cultivating and harvesting velvet flowers. Renowned for their vibrant hues and velvety texture, these flowers are a key component of Tihar celebrations.
Tathali and Gundu are particularly famous for their velvet flower production. Farmers in these areas have been cultivating hundreds of these flowers, which are used to create beautiful garlands. In addition to garlands, loose velvet flowers and hundred-petal marigold flowers are also sold in abundance during this festive season.
For several years, velvet flower cultivation has been a significant source of income for local farmers. Nepal has achieved self-sufficiency in the production of velvet and Godavari flowers, reducing the need for imports, especially during festivals like Tihar and Valentine’s Day.
