Farmers in Bhaktapur busy cultivating velvet flowers ahead of Tihar

As Tihar, the popular Hindu festival of lights, approaches, farmers in Gundu and Tathali areas of Suryabinayak Municipality-7, Bhaktapur, are working hard to cultivate and harvest velvet flowers. These flowers, known for their bright colors and soft texture, play an important role in Tihar celebrations across Nepal.

Gundu and Tathali have long been famous for growing large quantities of velvet flowers. Local farmers have been producing hundreds of these flowers to meet the high demand for garlands during the festival. Besides garlands, loose velvet flowers and special hundred-petal marigold flowers are also sold in large numbers during this time.

Velvet flower farming has become an important source of income for farmers in these areas over the years. Nepal is now self-sufficient in producing velvet and Godavari flowers, which reduces the need to import them, especially during major festivals like Tihar and Valentine’s Day.

This local production not only supports farmers’ livelihoods but also ensures that Nepali festivals are celebrated with fresh, vibrant flowers grown within the country.