Diwali markets: marigold garlands ₹50 to ₹80 in Rudrapur, loose marigolds ₹180-200 a kg, lotuses sold out by afternoon; green crackers most in demand in Kashipur

Rudrapur's flower market was crowded from the morning on Saturday, the day before Diwali. According to Hindustan, marigold garlands sold for ₹50 to ₹80 and loose marigolds for ₹180 to ₹200 a kg. Shopkeepers said marigolds cost more than last year because fewer flowers came in from outside. Lotuses for Lakshmi puja sold at ₹50 a flower and ran out at many shops by the afternoon. Garlands of Ashoka leaves cost ₹20, while roses were the most expensive this time. According to Amar Ujala, Kashipur's firecracker market was crowded from morning until late at night and green crackers were in the highest demand; many families bought firecrackers worth ₹500 to ₹5,000. Police and fire brigade teams were deployed at the market, and water tankers and sand were kept ready. Also according to Amar Ujala, sales of traditional Lakshmi-Ganesh and Shubh-Labh posters are very low in Rudrapur this time. Shopkeepers said such posters have even stopped coming in from outside, and scenery prints are selling in their place.