Marigold ready to welcome Tihar (Photo Feature)

Kathmandu: Marigold is a native flower of Mexico. The origin of the flower can be traced back to the forests of Mexico.

Marigold with its origin in Mexico has earned cultural importance in Nepal. It is one of the important flowers used in the rituals of Tihar in Nepal. Though it is not a native species of Nepal, it has a special place and significance in Tihar,

The journey of Marigold from Mexico to Nepal seems interesting. The flower is dominant in Mexico and Central America reached South Asia through the Middle East and finally to Nepal. It is believed that Marigold was introduced in Nepal in the middle of the 17th century.

This marigold grows well in bright sunlight, less waterlogging areas, and areas rich in high-organic matter. People have been growing Marigold for commercial purposes nowadays. Ichangu, Batasedanda, Gundu, Suntakhan, etc. are some of the areas, where people have been growing Marigolds for commercial purposes, inside Kathmandu Valley.

Likewise, the Government of Nepal has restricted the import of Marigold from India this year. This has made the farmers optimistic regarding their production getting market in Nepal.

Based on the size of the flowers, farmers believe the marigold would be sold at Rs 100 to Rs150 per pathi.

(Glimpses of Marigold)

(Photo Courtesy: Saroj Basnet)