Tanahun women target Rs 1 million in marigold sales this Tihar

Tanahun, October 26, 2026 — A group of 45 women in Aandhimul, Aabukhaireni Rural Municipality-1, is aiming to sell marigold flowers worth Rs 1 million during this year's Tihar festival after expanding commercial cultivation to 45 ropanis of land.

The group earned Rs 900,000 from flower sales last year. With marigolds now blooming across their fields, the women are harvesting, preparing and storing flowers to meet festival demand.

Group president Suntali Gurung said the harvested flowers are kept in cold storage to preserve their freshness until they are sold. The flowers are fetching prices of up to Rs 400 per kilogram.

Locally grown marigolds are also helping reduce reliance on supplies brought in from outside the region. Kalpana Gauli, who operates a gift shop in Damauli, has already bought 50 kilograms of flowers in the first phase of purchasing.

The collective farming initiative has become a source of income for the participating women and is helping them move towards greater economic self-reliance.

Santosh KC, head of the agriculture branch at Aabukhaireni Rural Municipality, said there was sufficient market demand for locally produced flowers. As marigolds are widely used to decorate homes, temples and public spaces during Tihar, the group is coordinating its harvesting and sales to meet seasonal demand.