Arali flower sales dip in Kerala amid 'death' scare

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Arali flower sales recorded a sudden dip in Kerala after a slew of mysterious deaths connecting the popular flower. Traders remarked about the drop in sales as a consequence of the unusual death of a woman who collapsed in the airport. The preliminary findings pointed out that the woman consumed the Arali flower leading to the death. At the same time, the Travancore Devaswom allowed the Arali flowers to be used in temple rituals in the state.

Traders have reduced the quantity of flowers they buy as sales have fallen. The sales are also showing a trend of decreasing in the coming days.

In Thiruvananthapuram Chala Market, the drop in demand for Arali flowers was palpable. The place which used to sell 15 - 20 kg of these flowers is now barely selling 1kg. Apart from pujas, the Arali flower is also used for funerals, housewarming and weddings.

Arali flowers are brought to Kerala from Thovalai, Tiruchirappalli, and Madurai. Pink flowers will cost Rs 300, Rs 350 for red and Rs 400 for white. Sales have also decreased in Kochi.

With the steep fall in Arali flowers, traders believe that the void will be filled by Thetti Poovu. Tantris from the northern regions of Kerala mostly prefer Thetti Poovu over Arali flowers.