Palakkad (Kerala): Jasmine flower prices have escalated rapidly with the onset of the auspicious Malayalam month of Chingam, soaring by ₹600 per kilogram in a single day.

At the Palakkad flower market, jasmine was priced at ₹800 per kilogram on Wednesday before surging to ₹1,400 per kilogram yesterday. At the beginning of Chingam, the rate stood at ₹700 per kilogram.

Market sources attribute the steep price hike to a combination of reduced yield in Tamil Nadu, the primary source of flower supplies to Kerala, and a sharp increase in demand triggered by the wedding season that accompanies Chingam.

While jasmine is rarely incorporated into traditional Onapookkalam (floral carpets), the bloom remains in high demand for ceremonial attire during the festive celebrations.