Fancy Bazar’s phool gali stands as a vibrant testament to the cultural richness the city has to offer. The bustling market, adorned with an array of diverse flowers, serves not only as a commercial hub but also as a cultural landmark that encapsulates the essence of tradition and adaptability.
The phool gali, more than just a marketplace, offers a sensory experience that intertwines memories and traditions. Starting from the fragrance of rajnigandha to lilies, mogra to roses, the lane has the sweetest intoxication, to say the least.
But what’s sad to see is that the flower vendors of the Fancy Bazar’s phool gali even today depend on the mainland for their resources. The Rajnigandhas fly in from Kolkata, while the elegant rose bunches travel all the way from Bengaluru.
In a cabinet meeting held early last year, the Assam Government deliberated on initiating a Floriculture Mission within the state. Despite having ample capacity for various types of flower production, Assam continues to import a significant portion of its flowers from other states such as Kolkata.
At the time, the Assam Chief Minister addressing the media said, "The mission will kick off by engaging 20,000 farmers initially." He further stated that the government is committed to allocating an initial fund of ₹150 crore to support the mission.
Guwahati’s phool gali which is equivalent to Kolkata’s Mullick Ghat is a place where all your needs are met. The market offers a diverse range, including Orchids, Lilies, Gypsy, Gerberas, Chrysanthemums, Asters, Karan, Ajra, Carnations, and Lotuses.
When asked a seller about popular choices, they mentioned, “The top sellers are Gypsy, Carnation, Mogra, and Rose."
“Gypsy Compact White, with its well-mounded plants and fresh white blooms, is a favourite, costing around ₹100 to ₹300. They're easy to grow, have a short crop time for more profits, and are versatile for packs, pots, or hanging baskets,” said one of the sellers.
Cultivated widely for its fringe-petaled flowers, Carnations are extensively used in the floral industry and is being supplied to Assam from states including Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, West Bengal, Jammu and Kashmir, and Karnataka.
Mogra finds common use in India for religious ceremonies, cultural events, perfumes, and garlands. According to a seller, “Mogra and Carnation flowers are mostly bought for hairstyles and decoration. So they are in demand almost throughout the year.”
Another seller said, “The most sold flowers are roses, especially during wedding season, Valentine's Day, and other government events. Surprisingly, people come looking for rose garlands for their weddings which was not a thing before. However, when there is a low production rate, the price goes up.”
Speaking of prices, roses start from ₹10, with ₹20 being the most popular. The seller continued, “We have roses at prices ₹10, ₹15, ₹20, ₹25, ₹30. The small ones that come in ₹10 are used in decorating wedding cars and making garlands.”
One of the sellers shed some light expressing how once one of the most popular flowers especially during weddings and decorations, rajnigandha or tuberose has been lost. “Only a handful of people now go for rajnigandha. Since there is less demand we get them in less quantity which costs us more, so we in turn have to charge more,” he said.
The marigold, a quintessential flower for religious and social ceremonies, has witnessed a substantial surge in prices. Sellers now offer this vibrant blossom at rates ranging from ₹10 to ₹30, a stark increase from its previous cost of ₹3. The price disparity is attributed to variations in quality, according to a flower vendor.
Adding a touch of sophistication to the bustling Phool Gali, lilies, known for their large and prominent blooms, emerge as a premium choice. Priced at Rs 200 per stick, these flowers cater to individuals seeking an extra dash of elegance in their floral arrangements.
The Guwahati flower market, which has a rich history, initially sprouted near the Sukreswar temple ghat with a handful of vendors. However, due to the market's growth causing traffic issues, the city police recommended relocation. The market then found its home first near the Brahmaputra River Ghat and later in front of the Mahendra Mohan Choudhury Hospital (MMCH). Notably, the Officer-In-Charge of the Panbazar Police Station played a pivotal role in directing florists to set up shops at JC Road, Kamarpatty alleyway, marking a significant chapter in the market's evolution.
Sarbani Das, a resident of Kalapahar while picking her favourite set of flowers said, “Yes, we get all kinds of flowers here but most of the time they are available at exorbitant prices which we can’t afford. The same flower that we buy in Kolkata for 30 rupees is charged at 100. Why such disparity?”
Another resident of Paltan Bazar who picks up flowers every day for worshipping said, “I know we are being overcharged, if we question the seller they will say that they have to cover their travelling cost. What are we supposed to do in such cases? Because this is about flowers even the government isn’t that much concerned.”
Whether for corporate gifting or expressing thoughtfulness to loved ones, flowers from this diverse market make every occasion special. The flower market not only provides a range of choices but also holds a historical significance in the evolution of Guwahati's floral scene.