Young people crowded the flower shops of Magura town for Pahela Falgun and Valentine's Day. From the morning of 14 February, buyers were a noticeable presence at the permanent and temporary shops at the town's Chowrangi intersection and along the roadside.

Sellers laid out red roses, marigolds, gerberas, tuberoses and bouquets of various kinds. Red roses and yellow-orange flowers were in particular demand. Besides young people, many went out with their families to buy flowers.

Flower sellers said sales had risen several times over because the two occasions fell on the same day. But price swings in the wholesale market had affected retail prices. Roses were selling for Tk 30 to 60 each, depending on quality and size, and bouquets of various designs for Tk 300 to 1,500.

Young people dressed up for the day were buying flowers and spending time with friends. Young women said they hoped the day would bring everyone a beautiful future and that everyone would find the person they love.

Buyers said prices seemed a little high because of the special day, but they had to buy flowers for their loved ones. Some, however, felt prices were bearable compared with other years.

Trader Sohel said: "Pahela Falgun is not celebrated the way it used to be, so flower sales have also fallen. But the crowd will grow further after the afternoon."

All in all, Valentine's Day and Pahela Falgun brought a festive mood to Magura's flower market. Opinions differed over prices, but trade was lively.

Source: Jagonews24. First published in Bengali on The Agro News.